Chandler Bing has quietly become one of Vanderbilt’s most impactful players. The freshman began the season with inconsistent playing time but has steadily evolved into a reliable role player for the Commodores. Bing didn’t play more than 20 minutes in a game until Vanderbilt’s dominant victory over Mississippi State on January 24. Since then, he has averaged over 20 minutes per game, solidifying his place in the team’s rotation. Now a key contributor under head coach Mark Byington, Bing averages 6 points per game since his breakout performance. His impact is most noticeable on defense, where he consistently matches up against opposing guards and forwards. Standing at 6’6” and 220 pounds, Bing’s physicality allows him to hold his own against smaller perimeter defenders and disrupt drives in the paint. His ability to finish at the rim through contact has made him a valuable offensive threat as well. Bing’s development has helped elevate Vanderbilt into a more balanced and competitive team. The Commodores will rely on his defensive intensity and physicality to advance deep in the NCAA Tournament. Byington’s defensive strategy often features aggressive press defenses, and Bing’s size and athleticism make him an ideal candidate for the high-press role. His ability to keep pace with quick guards creates favorable matchups for the team, particularly when smaller perimeter defenders are on the court. Bing’s defensive versatility extends to the interior, where his agility and awareness allow him to guard larger forwards. His quick hands frequently disrupt finishes at the rim, while his sturdy frame helps slow downhill drives. When tracking perimeter attackers toward the basket, Bing often steals the ball or contests shots at the rim, combining active hands with strong recovery ability to mitigate risks.#sec_tournament #paycom_center #vanderbilt #chandler_bing #mark_byington
Vanderbilt's Chandler Bing: Named After Bishop, Not 'Friends' Character Chandler Bing, the Vanderbilt basketball freshman guard, has sparked curiosity about his name’s origin, particularly due to its similarity to the character from the hit TV show "Friends." Despite the confusion, Bing clarified that his name does not come from the sitcom’s character played by Matthew Perry. Instead, he revealed the name was chosen in honor of a bishop, not the TV personality. Bing, who has never watched an episode of "Friends," shared his thoughts with The Tennessean in May 2025. He explained that his parents, Tara and Calvin Bing, were not thinking about the show when they named him. “My mom has seen the show, but when they were naming me, I guess she didn’t watch it that much,” he said. “She wasn’t even thinking about that.” While he initially found the jokes about his name amusing, he admitted the attention has increased since the name became a topic of discussion. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound guard, hailing from Atlanta, has been a key player for the No. 5 seed Commodores during their SEC Tournament run. He averages 3.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game for a team with a 26-8 record. Bing, a three-star recruit ranked No. 21 in Georgia for the 2025 class by 247Sports, has become a focal point of attention both on and off the court. Bing’s family connection to the basketball world extends beyond his name. He is distantly related to Dave Bing, a Hall of Famer and former NBA star. Dave Bing, who was a seven-time All-Star and 1967 NBA Rookie of the Year, is Chandler’s grandfather’s first cousin. The two share a familial bond, with Dave Bing also serving as the godfather to former NBA player Jalen Rose. Bing’s high school career was spent at Pace Academy in Atlanta, where he developed his skills before joining Vanderbilt.#sec_tournament #vanderbilt #chandler_bing #matthew_perry #dave_bing
