Photo by WADE PAYNE
Tennessee's Chris Lofton greeted by fans as the team leaves for Charlotte Tuesday, March 25, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn. The Vols will play Louisville on Thursday. Behind Lofton is Ramar Smith.
Photo by WADE PAYNE
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, center, along with players Wayne Chism, JaJuan Smith and Brian Williams are greeted by fans as the team leaves for Charlotte Tuesday, March 25, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn. The Vols will play Louisville on Thursday.
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Tennessee guard Chris Lofton is expected to be back on the practice court today and ready to play Thursday night.
"The ankle, heel, the Achilles, it's all pretty sore," UT coach Bruce Pearl said. "But if we had a game tonight (Tuesday), he would have played."
Lofton, who sat out Tuesday's practice after Pearl said he "tweaked" his ankle in the second-round win over Butler on Sunday, said last week he hoped to play against Louisville in the NCAA tournament.
"I noticed they're in front of us," said Lofton, who spent most of his life in Maysville, Ky., as a Cardinals' fan. "It would be kinda nice to get to play them."
Lofton will get his wish in Charlotte, N.C., when second-seeded UT (31-4) tips off at 9:57 p.m. (TV: WVLT) against third-seeded Louisville (26-8) in the Sweet 16 of the East Regional.
Cardinals coach Rick Pitino said there was a time when he hoped Lofton would be wearing Louisville's red.
"We recruited him - hard," Pitino said. "We wanted him to commit as a junior, he wanted to wait a little bit longer, and he chose the right school for him.
"He made a great decision in going to Tennessee and we lost out on a very good basketball player."
Lofton said when he was younger, he pulled for Kentucky, but later became a Louisville fan.
"That (pulling for the Wildcats) was just to kinda get at my dad, because he was a Louisville fan," Lofton said. "But the older I got the more I liked the Cardinals."
Pearl said he doesn't think fans in Kentucky, those of the Wildcats or the Cardinals, should give their respective head coaches too much grief for not offering Lofton a scholarship his senior year.
"Louisville and Kentucky both took hits for not recruiting Chris Lofton," Pearl said. "But coming out of high school the guys they got were better than Chris. That's not a knock on Chris, and shouldn't be a knock on Tubby (Smith) and Rick.
"Chris Lofton made himself a great player, not (former UT coach) Buzz Peterson, and not Bruce Pearl."
Lofton ranks as the SEC's all-time leading 3-pointer shooter and is No. 3 on the NCAA list with 429 career treys.
But the past four tournament games - two in the SEC, two in the NCAA - Lofton has cooled off.
Lofton has hit 40 percent of his 3-pointers over the entire season, but he led the SEC in league games by shooting at a .470 clip beyond the 3-point arc.
In the postseason, Lofton is 15-of-42 (.357).
That doesn't mean Pitino will be paying any less attention to him.
"Chris plays in a style that's really advantageous to him," Pitino said. "Any time you are a great shooter, and you love the game … anybody who can shoot has a place in the game if he's hungry and passionate, and certainly, Chris is that."
SEC Power-Out: Pearl isn't reading too much into UT being the only SEC team remaining out of the six that started the NCAA tournament.
Pearl was asked if the lack of SEC teams left suggests the conference had a down season.
"It says we got lousy seedings," Pearl said. "Mississippi State, which won the West, got a nine seed and had to play the one seed (Memphis, in the second round).
"Vanderbilt was not able to take advantage of its (four) seed; that's the one you look at and wish they could have gone further."
The Commodores lost to 13th-seeded Siena in the first round.
"Kentucky took the six-11 (seed) game, and took the six (seed, Marquette) to the wire," Pearl said. "Georgia gave Xavier all they wanted and led by double digits between the 12-16-minute mark.
"Arkansas won their eight-nine (seeded) game (versus Indiana), and Mississippi State won their eight-nine game (versus Oregon),'' he said. "So, I say, look at our seedings."
Louisville Favored: The Cardinals are a 2 1/2-point favorite to beat the Vols, but Pearl has no problem with that.
"If you look at the two teams," said Pearl, whose team was last an underdog to Memphis. "I have no problem thinking Louisville is a better team and playing better right now."
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Comments » 64
VOLINSC writes:
Lofton is the Peyton Manning of UT basketball. It is time to pick a street on campus to name Lofton lane!
ahorner1#668099 writes:
How Bout I-40
MrBamSeydu writes:
VOLINSC: If that's the case maybe we'll win a National Championship in bball the year after Lofton leaves too then, huh?
tenuscvol writes:
VOLINSC....I like it!....how bout "Chris's Crossover" for an overpass...or Lofton Loop...Kill the Redbirds!!!!....not really,..just win...GoVols!!!
utchris writes:
ahorner -
Why not I75 so that all the UK fans will forever remember Chris..haha
rabidvol1998 writes:
Where in the article did it quote Chris as saying he "longed for his shot"???
Headline, KNS headline writer gets prom date.
rabidvol1998 writes:
Where in the article did it quote Chris as saying he "longed for his shot"???
Headline, KNS headline writer gets prom date.
teedub writes:
Go get 'em Chris!!! We need you now more than ever. It's time for the Vols to put together the complete game
orangeblood writes:
boy i hope he goes off and scores 50
huntined#565710 writes:
How about LOFTON'S THREE-WAY
bencrazyvolhoopsfan writes:
Let's put it all together for a big "W" against Louisville. I would really like to see Chris go off also. GO VOLS!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Man, 470 from 3?? Let him shoot every shot of the game, I'll take 47 percent form 3 point land any game.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
The one guy I worry about for this game is Bruce. He's gotta resist the temptation to over-coach. I thiought he waa about perfect for the Butler game: he didn't tick off the refs, and we got some decent calls.
Seriously, Pitino is a master at working the refs, as is Coach K and Roy Williams. Burce needs to kinda lay off some in these games, if he can stand it.
Also, he can't try to match Pitino move for move.
wyomingvol writes:
Wouldn't be something like 'Lofton's Ct.'? (Street Names)
Go Vols, TCB like lightn'en.
I'll hang up and listen to ya'.
Madkels writes:
How did Chris hurt his ankle? Didn't see it in the game Sunday?
Also heard on Rivals Radio today that the NCAA logo at center court was slick and wrinkled at some venues. Hope this had no part in the injury. Apparently Roy Williams has complained to NCAA.
Madkels writes:
Also hoping for better results than when Tom Brady had a walking boot!!!
ballewville6 writes:
i cant believe that we are the underdogs in this game,but it will help up ,because we play better as underdogs,it should be a great game maby one of the best in tourny to this point,but the vols will prevail,i think we will beat louisville then unc to go to final four
BAFLETCHER writes:
Good article from David Climer of the Tennessean
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.d...
Hotllama2 writes:
Can someone explain to me why Bruce is saying "Louisville and Kentucky both took hits for not recruiting Chris Lofton," and Pitino is saying "We recruited him - hard." I've always heard that Lofton wasn't recruited by Louisville or Kentucky. I'm confused. Can someone clear this up for me.
dirtdobber1 writes:
Pittino can jam it! Let it rain 3's Lofton!
billnewton#588776 writes:
tnfletcher4.... great article and every word is true! Pay the man!
VA_Vol writes:
Louisville basically told him to commit early or we're pulling your scholarship. I think Chris really wanted to wait on KY, so he balked and Louisville pulled the offer. Not sure on the timing on when Louisville pulled the offer, but according to Pitino, it was in his Junior year. Although he couldn't sign until a senior, if Louisville didn't send him any papers, then technically he wasn't offered a scholarship.
PennVol writes:
I would like to see some set plays to get Lofton off early against the Cards. He seems to not be able to get into the flow if he doesn't hit a couple early on.
Retiredvol writes:
PennVol I totally agree Chris needs to start hot and it sets the trend for the evening.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Good articles by both Griffith and Climer. While Chris may not have been his historically deadly self all season, you can be sure Louisville will know where he is at all times and have at least one guy assigned exclusively to him every moment he is on the court. I agree with PennVol that we should try to set him up early. Even if he doesn't get good shots or misses them, that will only reinforce the idea that we are going to him, and encourage Louisville in their concentration on him. That should open things up for Tyler, JaJuan, and Wayne. At least as important to our chances for a victory is a dominating defensive effort and great board work. If we are hitting shots at all and are competitive in all other phases of the game, we have a great chance to win. GO VOLS!!! PLUCK THE BIRDS!!! ON TO SAN ANTONIO!!!
GoVol writes:
Lofton - now here is your chance so do something with it. Also, while you're out there on the court trying to score some points, how about a little defense from time to time. Come on Lofton...you're a senior, so step it up...now or never. You can do it, question is...will you?
HotlantaVol writes:
Chris Lofton Court is the best one so far. I just hope that after tomorrow night it's not the Boulevard of Broken Dreams . . .
Deck the Cards!!!
overatedvols writes:
UT is a great team and playing really great right now. I think about the best in the country. I think they will win this one then have a tough one next game.
Wait..this is Univ. Of Texas site isn't it?
Oh, nevermind.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Hotllama2, I think CBP was quoting what others have said about UK and UL not recruiting Chris. Pitino has been very gracious referring to Chris, and even many UK fans respect what he has done here. It is hard to blame UK for not recruiting him. Their guard recruits in Chris's class were Rajon Rondo, Ramel Bradley, and Joey Crawford. Rondo is in the NBA now, and Bradley and Crawford probably will be, while Chris, great as he is in college, probably won't be. I'm not sure everyone has heard that UL was recruiting him as a HS junior, but that he was holding out for UK.
GoVol, I think Chris plays good defense. He is perhaps not our best on-ball defender against good penetrating guards, but he is a very good help-side defender, with several key steals and intercepted passes. For that matter, none of our guards has exactly shut down good penetrators. Chris is also a good defensive rebounder. All in all, he has made himself into a complete player who helps us way more than he hurts us, whether he is scoring on a given night or not.
westkyvolfan writes:
As a KY native who got to TN as fast as I could, I like UL better than UK, but I like the Vols better than either of them. GO VOLS!!!
westkyvolfan writes:
Also, I am very proud to say Chris is a KY native playing for the Vols. Go Chris, Smith brothers and company.
overatedvols writes:
I'm hearing that some of the Louisville players are saying the only conference worse than C-USA is the SEC. Are you going to take that?
TnKyFlAlGaScLaAkMi writes:
I think the article meant 'longed for his shot' at playing against Louisville. Chris needs to get to 50% for the rest of the tourney from 3-pt land. And for God's sake Lofton, don't pass up a 3 to pass it to Howell like in the Arkansas game. Blech!
volwalk writes:
I've got a good feeling that we are going to see a different Chris Lofton tommorrow night. He will go off on the birds, we will get steady point guard play, get their big man in early foul trouble and pull away with about 5 minutes to go. Vols 81---Cards 72. Bring on the heels!
GO VOLS!!!
CoverOrange writes:
If Lofton is #3 at 429, who is #2? I've searched quite a bit and know that JJ Reddick is #1 at 457 (Duke, 2003-2006) but can find no reference to who is #2 much less what his count is. Previous to Reddick was Curtis Staples at 413 (Virginia, 1995-1998). Anybody know?
invisiblekid writes:
Clever posts today overrated, let no one ever question your master motivational skills as you have obviously incited us ignorant Vol fans once again. I find it amusing that any time the level of discourse rises above you making arrogant statements and some of the other fans throwing insults at you, that you choose to leave the discussion. It goes to show that it's a case of the pot calling the kettle black when it comes to you questioning anyone's maturity level.
volsfan92 writes:
wd40 the answer is Keydren Clark, St. Peters 2003-2006, 435 which means Lofton will soon be number 2 all time...
Go Vols!
volsfan92 writes:
wd40 the answer is Keydren Clark, St. Peters 2003-2006, 435 which means Lofton will soon be number 2 all time...
Go Vols!
overatedvols writes:
Louisville's saying they are going to try and save their energy for Saturdays game. They said the goal is to expend as little energy as possible in the UT game so they'll be at full force for their next game. I think they plan on using their backups for most of the game. It's insulting.
volsfan92 writes:
and Redick is at 3.29 3pt FG per game which is 15th all-time
volsfan92 writes:
http://www.ncaa.org/library/records/b...
number 5 is one of the great shooters of all time. Just going to enjoy the game Thursday. What a fantastic season. Tyler Smith is improving every game, and it is great to see the experts try to pigeonhole players like Crews and Chism...I personally think we will win Thursday going away...go Vols
volsfan92 writes:
agree with johnlg00 that CL is a very good defender....remember the steal and pass to JP from the floor at Memphis everyone
overatedvols writes:
Seth Davis, one of your only supporters seems to have abandoned you. He had picked Tenn. in the final 4 and now says Carolina is the team to beat. He's also questioning Pearls coaching. He is wondering why Pearl is playing Prince instead of the regular starter and saying Prince almost caused you to lose your last game.
Don't worry about Seth's departure. He's an idiot. Always has been. Him picking Tenn. was a curse anyway. Now it's removed.
volsfan92 writes:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008...
CoverOrange writes:
Thanks Volsfan92. That was same source I had found but didn't read down far enough (the table of contents is misleading).
HotlantaVol writes:
overated - There are only two reasons why someone goes to the site of a team they don't support:
1. Genuine interest in the team usually stemming from a rivalry or just a love of the game.
2. Jealousy due to the fact that people are talking about that other team instead of talking about your team.
It's easy to guess which one applies in your case. NEWS FLASH: No one cares about Memphis anymore. The only reason anyone talked about them at all this year was because they either got into slap fights with fans (using fists might cause them to break a nail), gaining #1 ranking by beating up on a big pile of nobodies or losing that #1 ranking on their home floor. 'Nuff said. Go back to Graceland.
GoVol writes:
Overated - still laughing at you...get a life!
GoVol writes:
Overated - still laughing at you...get a life!
interestedperson writes:
*just shakes my head at overated*
It's sad, sad, sad that you have nothing better to do with your time than come here and try to stir up a rivalry that never has been, and most likely never will be.
Go Vols!
WestTennVol writes:
funny how Texas Copied the T logo to the 't' so to speak
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