Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner, Mark Byington earn TSWA player, coach of year awards

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Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner, Mark Byington earn TSWA player, coach of year awards

Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner, Mark Byington earn TSWA player, coach of year awards

Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner and Mark Byington were named player and coach of the year by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association.

Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner, Mark Byington earn TSWA player, coach of year awards

Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner and Mark Byington were named player and coach of the year by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association.

Vanderbilt men's basketball is celebrating a historic season, and the accolades keep rolling in for two of its standout figures. Guard Tyler Tanner and head coach Mark Byington have been named Player and Coach of the Year, respectively, by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association—a fitting honor for a season that saw the Commodores make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

Tyler Tanner, a Brentwood Academy product and rising junior (pending his 2026 NBA Draft decision), had a season for the ages. Averaging 19.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, he was a force on both ends of the floor. His efforts earned him First-Team All-SEC and All-Defensive Team honors, as well as an Honorable Mention All-America nod from both the Associated Press and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

But the numbers tell an even bigger story. Tanner shattered single-season program records with 184 assists and 86 steals. Even more impressive: he became the first player from a high-major program in over a decade to record 700+ points, 180+ assists, and 85+ steals in a single season. In fact, the only other players to achieve that feat since 2008-09 are NBA legend Steph Curry (Davidson) and David Holston (Chicago State). That's elite company, and it speaks to Tanner's all-around game.

On the sideline, Mark Byington orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent college basketball history. In just his second season at the helm, Byington led Vanderbilt to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, igniting a wave of excitement around the program. His Coach of the Year recognition from the TSWA is a testament to his leadership and ability to maximize his roster's potential.

For Vanderbilt fans, this is more than just an awards season—it's a glimpse into a bright future. With a superstar guard and a savvy coach leading the way, the Commodores are building something special. And for those looking to rep the team in style, there's never been a better time to grab your Vandy gear and celebrate this historic run.

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