University of Tennessee men's basketball star Chris Lofton didn't want to make any excuses for his slump the first half of this past season.
But cancer isn't an excuse - it's a reason.
The senior All-American guard told the News Sentinel on Thursday that he underwent four weeks of radiation treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer last March.
Tears came to his eyes when discussing his battle with cancer. Lofton said he has made a full recovery, but he acknowledged that last spring's treatment affected his offseason training regimen with the Vols. His statistics show it took him half the season to catch up.
"When I first heard that word, 'cancer,' I thought I was going to die," said Lofton, whose cancer was detected through an NCAA-mandated random drug test following the Vols' 121-86 victory over Long Beach State on March 16, 2007.
The results of the drug test were positive; UT officials were informed that if Lofton wasn't using drugs, the positive result could be a sign of cancer.
More tests followed, and Lofton underwent surgery on March 28 to have the cancer removed. Four weeks of radiation treatment followed, from late April into May.
"The radiation treatment was the toughest part,'' Lofton said. "I didn't feel like doing anything, I felt tired.
"When I played in the Rocky Top League (in June), it was the first time I picked up a ball since our (NCAA Sweet 16) loss to Ohio State."
Lofton put up 50 points in his first summer league game, but when he went to the Pan American Games tryouts later that month, his shots weren't falling so easily.
"I just wasn't myself,'' said Lofton, who failed to make the team.
Lofton's sluggishness carried over to the start of UT's season in November. He connected on just 1 of 8 shots - 0 of 5 from 3-point range - in the season-opening win over Temple.
Lofton, the 2006-07 SEC player of the year, managed only 5 points in the second game of the season, against lowly Arkansas-Monticello.
UT fans wondered aloud on talk-radio shows and Internet chat boards what had happened to Lofton.
Was it the Sports Illustrated cover jinx? Did he re-aggravate the ankle injury that sidelined him the season before? Or was Lofton reading too many of his preseason All-American press clippings?
UT head basketball trainer Chad Newman bristled each time he heard the critics.
"These people that are questioning Chris are going to feel pretty stupid when they find out what's wrong with him,'' Newman said early in the season.
Newman's comment prompted questions; coach Bruce Pearl, Newman and Lofton were all prodded for an explanation.
No one was saying anything.
There was a hint something could be wrong just prior to the start of the season, when Pearl confirmed that Lofton was seen at UT Medical Center in the offseason.
But Pearl would not disclose why Lofton was seen, saying at the time it was a 'personal' and 'sensitive'' issue that could embarrass the player.
"We were sitting on pins and needles all season long, hoping it would not get out,'' Pearl said. 'I was asked about it all the time, and I tried to be as honest as I could without revealing everything.
"It put a lot of wear and tear on Chris because he didn't want it out.''
Pearl said he respected Lofton all the more for his willingness to make his battle with cancer a private one.
"It says everything about Chris,'' Pearl said. "Chris is not about making excuses, and he didn't want his teammates to know and be worried about him.
"When people are first diagnosed with cancer, sometimes the first thought is to tell everyone close to you, so you can feel all the support and be surrounded with the love you need to battle cancer.
"But Chris didn't want anyone worrying about it or our fans using it as an excuse for him.''
Lofton said he appreciates his school and the media for respecting his privacy.
"I wanted to fight through it,'' Lofton explained. "There were times I wanted to say something, but I wanted my teammates to stay focused on the season.''
In the meantime, Lofton's early-season on-court struggles continued.
Lofton hit just 31.6 percent of his 3-point attempts through the first 16 games of the season before a Jan. 22 trip to Kentucky sparked his season.
The Vols lost to the Wildcats, 72-66, but Lofton started to win his psychological battle with cancer.
"I think what helped Chris overcome it psychologically was his competitiveness,'' Pearl said. "Chris had to know he was healthy and get the energy because he knew that without him, we were going to lose.''
When the former Kentucky Mr. Basketball from Mason County High School connected on half of his shots from the field and beyond the 3-point line against the Wildcats, it marked the first time he had done so in SEC play, and only the third time overall, all season.
Over the final 19 games of the regular season, starting with the Kentucky game, Lofton hit 64-of-129 attempts from beyond the 3-point arc, or 49.6 percent.
"I wanted to tell you earlier this season,'' Lofton told the News Sentinel. "Remember when you told me to look at that video of me from a year before? I knew I wasn't the same.
"I just felt like I couldn't get my body to move like I wanted it to.''
Lofton said it was the longest season of his life.
"I'm just glad it's over,'' said Lofton, who scored 23 points in a Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational game April 11. "I'm fine, feeling good, and ready to go.''
Lofton, at 6-foot-1, is considered a borderline NBA pick. Scouts like his shooting ability - he's the SEC's all-time leading 3-point shooter and ranks third in NCAA history - but many in the NBA believe his athleticism and size work against him.
After Thursday's revelation, it's safe to say Lofton's heart will never be questioned.
"You look at what he has gone through, and he's still going to be remembered as one of the best players to wear orange,'' Pearl said. "I was privileged to coach him. His jersey is going to hang in the rafters.''
Mike Griffith may be reached at 865-342-6289.
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Comments » 105
Michael1204 writes:
stay healthy chris! good luck at the NBA draft!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns...
ESPN interview
bigbluevol writes:
C Lo is the man. God bless him, and as michael said, may he stay healthy.
tigervol9802 writes:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns...
I knew something wasn't right all season.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
I am so glad that they were able to find it and treat it before it became life threatening! Thank God. I hope it never comes back. Good luck with classes and the NBA Chris.
Ironcity writes:
Nothing else needs to be said. This man is a true warrior and is what college athletics is all about. Thank you Chris for represnting UT in a way that very few athletes ever have.
murrayvol writes:
Chris Low provides all the detail needed in his ESPN piece.
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
And people wonder why he seemed a bit off this season? Geez. I have friends who have gone through this, and I am damned surprised CL was even able to hit the court at all.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Great Vol. Prayers are with you, young man.
CoverOrange writes:
Anybody remember the moron back in January that kept spouting how none of us knew anything about what was going on with Lofton and when it all came out we would all feel stupid.
Guess that moron was right.
ONUV writes:
the legend grows
turner_c writes:
Posted by Ironcity on May 1, 2008 at 4:32 p.m.:"Nothing else needs to be said. This man is a true warrior and is what college athletics is all about. Thank you Chris for represnting UT in a way that very few athletes ever have."
It is what life is all about. JMO
volguy40 writes:
Wow....sure does explain why he was off a little huh?...Im in Louisiana...and we are the biggest Vol fans you have ever seen...my 11 year old boy worships Chris Lofton...(and now seeing this...I couldnt be prouder of his choice)..God be with you Chris..and forgive us for chastising you this year....Its all clear now and all that counts is your healthy.....good luck in the NBA...you truly are the MAN...
GerryOP writes:
Wow! What a special young man. Many of today's athletes of his caliber would have handled it differently, but not Chris. God bless you, you have my respect ... and prayers. May God be with you on each step of your walk through life. You are a Vol legend in your time. Be well young man, be well.
As a BTW, I hope all of you chumps that were trashing Chris this season are proud of yourself. My policy is simple -- trash the coaches, trash the administration, trash your fellow posters ... but ... never ... ever trash the young athletes that represent Our University on the field of play. Each one is giving there all for The University of Tennessee.
GreerVol22 writes:
Even Superman couldn't shoot with kryptonite in his pocket.
Work on that jumper Chris, 'cause the good Lord knows you have the game of life down pat.
scooped again 'eh Adams and company?
invisiblekid writes:
This young man is amazing. A phenomenal athlete and obviously one of the most unselfish players this program has ever seen. I hope that life treats him well from here on out for all he has done for the Vol Nation.
cjraney writes:
WD40-
You're exactly right. Anybody remember who that was?
Chris Lofton is a man. I'm proud to call him a Volunteer and know that he gave his all for Tennessee.
Silent_Fulmer writes:
Lofton may get drafted now, great news
JSMITH2432 writes:
Details develop? ESPN reported it. Credit them.
richvol writes:
Here is a REAL hero...God bless him.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
It was THE_VOL
etsuvol99#227561 writes:
I think "wow" does about cover it.
GhostofNeyland writes:
http://3rdsaturdayinblogtober.wordpre...
cjraney writes:
Amazing how Lofton found out. Here's a former Vol(briefly) who never found out about his medical condition.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08...
OwensboroVol writes:
I would urge Chris to take this opportunity to help the many men, particularly young men, who will develop this cancer and not know until its too late. This is the cancer that almost killed Lance Armstrong. It is a very simple thing to check yourself as you are showering. I urge all men to check themselves (if necessary learn how from your Doctor) regularly. This is a Cancer which kills if not found early enough. God Bless you Chris for sharing this with the public. You have probably saved many lives.
thesavageorange writes:
Unbelievable!This turn around of UT B-ball just wouldn't have been as special w/o Chris.It even seems more special now.
Lesson:Things aren't always what they seem!
GerryOP writes:
Above are two stories about young men who faced health crises in their young lives - one survived, one did not. Kind of strikes hard on the forge of reality.
In the meantime us vain idiots get on here and flaunt our pride, egos, and anything else we care to flaunt -- and it means nothing. Considering the magnificance of life, our posts and comments on these boards are rather insignificant.
Fellow Vol fans, be well ... be well.
tnbanker_govols writes:
WOW...this really puts things into perspective. I knew we had a special kid in Lofton but I didn't realize just how special until today. Good Luck Chris.
tnbanker_govols writes:
GerryOP.......Amen to that. None of this phooey means anything. But you get a bunch of idiots together who in reality know very little and all they can do is ridicule and defame somebody, thinking they know everything. And it all means nothing......nothing at all. Best post I've seen on this site yet.
Fred08 writes:
Thank you Chris!
You are a true Vol and we will always love you.
calivol writes:
I realize Allan Houston and Dale Ellis are very deserving, and their day will come...but a big No. 5 better be hanging from the TBA rafters on Opening Night in November. That's coming from a recent testicular cancer survivor who underwent chemo at almost the exact same time that Chris did. What an inspiration. A true Tennessee legend. And there's no need for a true Tennessee legend to wait for his jersey to be retired. It should be up regardless of this...now even more so. Get it done, Hamilton.
invisiblekid writes:
Very well-spoken GerryOP, doubtful that there has been many more eloquent posts on here.
thesavageorange writes:
GerryOP ,Great post.Be well yourself there Gerry,be Well.
MillisaAnn writes:
God Bless You Chris, Stay Healthy and Strong.
I agree brownsvillevol, Hamilton retire #5.
thesavageorange writes:
Ohh, his jersey will be retired.Pearl said so, and would even put it in his upcoming contract if necessary.
AllLadyVol writes:
CLASS....CLASS....CLASS.
He was sick, and no one knew. He struggled on the court, and still gave his all. He was criticized, and never said a word.
WOW. The world needs more Chris Loftons.
thesavageorange writes:
Let us never forget #5, as a player or as a man.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DuPpsYfY6Kc
VOLS85 writes:
A true class act...One could only hope my kids end up like him someday.
Thank you for everything, Chris. You are the greatest player in Tennessee basketball history!
PureOrange writes:
Glad you conquered it, Chris. Thanks for all you have done for UT.
This just goes to prove that the toughest competition is not always on the court, but it takes a real competitor to overcome such a heart-wrenching attack on your very life.
May God continue to be with you, Chris.
GerryOP writes:
GhostofNeyland and cjraney, thanks for the links. Really brings the reality of God and life back into focus. Be well y'all.
THE_VOL writes:
WD40...gee and I thought nobody would remember. Of course all those that bashed this kid for the better part of 4 months won't admit it now. Shows how shallow and outright stupid most here are.
THE_VOL writes:
But be healthy to all!
THE_VOL writes:
Oh and congrats to SuperMoron Mike Griffith! You're a runner-up again! Got scooped on a kid you see everyday! KNS is a joke.
pres1942#366184 writes:
Chris, you are the greatest. Our love for you and for your greatnest will never end.
Thanks and God Bless.
vol52 writes:
Chris is one tough man. Good luck and may God bless him.
BillVol writes:
May I ask what in the hell our UT medical staff is doing to miss something like this????? They missed picking up on Cedric Houston's thyroid condition, which the NFL found in minutes, and now this????? Thank God for the random drug test on Lofton. Marcus Welby, where are you???
5fanforever writes:
I am glad you UT fans finally realize what you had, it has taken you 4 years. This is the person Chris has been his entire life and all you guys have done is put him down. He did not reveal it because he did not want your sympathy, he just wanted your respect. It was a classic case from the fan of "what have you done for me lately". Now you have a chance to make it up to him and I hope you will.
budrhon writes:
Stay Brave & Strong Chris! Brave & Strong! A lesson for all of us who want to criticize an athlete. You just never know what is going on in their life. My prayers are with you Young man. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
CoverOrange writes:
Have to wonder, is this what prompted the complete physicals that all UT athletes get now (the one that caught Duke Crew's heart condition)?
Maysville, if you spend anytime on these boards you will know we fans are not of one mind on any subject. Most of us respected and admired Chris long before this news. Now just a bit more.
faithfulvol writes:
Chris Lofton is an amazing young man. He always has appeared to be a class act in my opinion. Now NO OPINION about it..... IT'S A FACT! This is a story of class-act behavior! I have total admiration for Chris Lofton.......WOW!
GOD BLESS CHRIS LOFTON!
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