Lofton, Smith Named to All-Tournament Team: Former Vols Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith were named to the all-tournament team at the Portsmouth, Va., Invitational this past weekend.
Sixty-four of the nation's top collegiate seniors were invited to participate in the camp, which took place in front of representatives from every NBA team.
Lofton ranked second among all players in the tournament by averaging 20 points over three games. Lofton shot 45.7 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. His 3.67 treys per game led all players.
Smith averaged 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and tied for most steals in the tournament with 2.67 per game.
Smith's 3.33 3-pointers per game were second only to Lofton, and he was tied for fifth with 3.33 offensive rebounds over the three games.
Joining Lofton and Smith on the all-tournament team were Josh Duncan (Xavier), Pat Calathes (Saint Joseph's), Kyle Hines (UNC-Greensboro), Reggie Williams (VMI), Gary Forbes (UMass), Deron Washington (Virginia Tech), Othello Hunter (Ohio State), Jiri Hubalek (Iowa State) and Charron Fisher (Niagara). Ohio State's Jamar Butler was named the tournament's most valuable player.
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Comments » 16
alfrizzle097 writes:
Lofton and Jajuan both could make it in the NBA. Jajuan has more potential as an all around player due to his defense and athleticism.
Lofton could suceed on a team with a player like Dwayne Wade. Just stand in the corner until your man leaves you to help out. Then MAKE HIM PAY!
King53 writes:
sure will be strange not seeing these two on the court next year. I wish them both the best! They are great ambassadors to our program.
Lofton4three___MONEY writes:
Good to hear how Chris and JaJuan are doing. I hope they will be remembered for a long time as the class acts who led this team to its turnaround.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
All right, guys!!! Way to show them what you are made of! Those were some pretty impressive performances. They may still not be drafted high in the NBA, but scouts from all over the world attend that event. They will be lined up, checkbooks in hand, after that showing.
GoVol writes:
Sorry guys - Lofton won't make it in the NBA. It will not be because of lack of effort or heart....he's simply too slow.
knoxtenor writes:
It's weird reading "FORMER Tennessee men's basketball players Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith" in an article. As far as I'm concerned, once a Vol, always a Vol.
Basketball_Jones writes:
I agree with Go Vol, I don't think Lofton makes it in the NBA. I hope I am wrong, but if you watch the Orlando Magic play you see what could be the best college shooter ever (JJ Reddick) sitting the bench every game. Now I hate Reddick but that cat could light it up every night, rarely did he have an off game and he is no where to be found.
Lofton is to slow and to small. He doesn't dribble well enough to run point and can't beat his man off the dribble. Plus most PG's are 6-3+. I wish him the best but I think Europe is in his future
CoverOrange writes:
Strange that this is the first I've heard of this tournament. Am wondering if the games were kinda played like the All-Star game...no defense. Not to take anything away from Chris or Jujuan and their accomplishments.
King30 writes:
Who would've thought, three years ago, that we might get to see Jajuan in the NBA one day. Outstanding.
Here's the Portsmouth Invitational link...though not much to see other than boxes:
http://www.portsmouthinvitational.com...
overatedvols writes:
Never heard of this invitional. Is this kind of a "for all the others not chosen" type of tourney? Never even heard of most of the players.
Go Vols!
Basketball_Jones writes:
I have actually been to this when I lived in Va Beach, Its a prety good tournament, basically its the NBA Combine. Its for guys who are basically straddling the line on getting to the NBA or heading to Europe. Some of these guys will be drafted and some will be signed as free agents and will try and make the team.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
There are several of these events in various parts of the country. Think of them as similar to mini-NFL combines. The players who attend are mostly the lower-profile guys trying to convince doubters; rarely if ever do you find the guys everybody talks about as potential lottery picks. One of them on the same all-star team as Chris and JaJuan is a guy from my current neck of the woods named Kyle Hines from UNC-Greensboro. He is one of only about 15 guys in NCAA history to get at least 2000 points, 1000 rebounds, and 500 blocked shots in a career, but he is only about 6'6", so there is question about whether he has a position in the NBA. Comparatively few of these guys will be drafted, but some will be invited for free-agent tryouts or will sign with overseas teams--or go get real jobs(;-P).
THE_VOL writes:
With all due respect to CLo and JaJuan, there is not an NBA player on this "all-tournament" team. Hunter is the closest to it and that's only because of his size. There MIGHT be a couple late draft choices but none of these guys will be on a roster come November.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Can't believe right here in P-town, and I missed 'em!
volfaninVA writes:
My 11-year-old son and I went to watch the tournament last Saturday and both Chris and JaJuan came over and signed his #5 UT b-ball jersey and spoke to him for a few minutes. What a great pair of kids these young men are. They really made a little boy's day. I only chatted with them for a moment but, if they are indicative of the kids CBP has in his program, I'm prouder than ever to be a Vol. They really represented UT well.
If you are not familiar with the PIT, check out their website. This event has been going on for over 50 years and has produced some top notch NBA talent. A lot of European scouts on hand as well. It's really geared toward college seniors who aren't projected as lottery or first round picks but check the former players from this event and I'll guarantee you'll recognize many of the names.
reachkim00 writes:
Lofton is wayyyyyy over-rated. Not NBA worthy, too small, too slow. He's a sharp 3-point shooter, at times, but that will only take you so far. Jajuan on the other hand should do well in the NBA. He's a well rounded player, not one dimensional like Chris. But, good luck to both.
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