Lofton
NBA agent Eric Fleisher has been in the game for 25 years, and he knows “special” when he sees it.
That’s why Fleisher was caught off guard late Thursday night when he learned former UT All-American Chris Lofton didn’t get an invite to the NBA pre-draft camp in Orlando, Fla.
“Chris has had to fight for everything in his career,” said Fleisher, who is based in New York. “And every step of the way, he has proved people wrong.”
Lofton will need to do so again if he is to play in the NBA. The pre-draft camp, which starts Tuesday and runs three days, is an indicator of who teams are most interested in drafting.
The fact that Lofton didn’t get an invite despite some international players and underclassman passing on attending the camp, is not encouraging.
Lofton, who has been training in Phoenix the past two weeks, said he’ll do his best to impress NBA teams in individual workouts should he not get a last-second invite to the camp as an alternate.
“I’ve been looking forward to working out in front of teams because I’m feeling stronger, quicker, and I have more energy,” Lofton said.
Fleisher said Lofton has a skill many NBA teams are in need of — reliable 3-point shooting.
“Chris has been very successful shooting a high percentage and hitting big shots at the collegiate level,” Fleisher said. “If he can replicate that against an NBA level of competition … (in) individual workouts, there’s a real chance and a real need for a player like Chris.”
There’s not much Lofton can do about his height (6-foot-1) and athleticism — two common criticisms he has heard throughout his career — but shot selection is another matter.
Draftexpress.com addressed the questions surrounding Lofton’s shot selection in a recent article.
“We will cite some stats from Synergy Sports Technology, which has logged almost every game Lofton’s played this year,” the article reads. “On spot-up jumpers where he’s unguarded, Lofton scores 1.58 points per possession. On spot-up jumpers where he’s guarded, Lofton scores 1.17 PPP. On jumpers off the dribble, he scores 0.84 PPP.
“But of all his jump shots, only approximately 21 percent of them are unguarded spot-up jumpers. Looking at these numbers, it’s clear Lofton could be a much more efficient player with better shot selection.”
Lofton’s individual workouts for NBA teams could begin as early as June 3 and run up until the NBA Draft on June 26.
Fleisher said a recent conversation with one NBA team makes him optimistic about Lofton’s chances.
“In the NBA, there are 465 players, and out of those players only 20-some-odd shot at higher than 40 percent from 3(-point range),” he said. “Chris can really shoot the ball, and he understands how to play. He has proven a big-game player and big-shot maker.”
Fleisher said Lofton no doubt will have to answer questions about the testicular cancer he was diagnosed and treated for last spring.
Lofton, who will return home to Maysville, Ky., today, said he is feeling fine, and if his career path leads to Europe, so be it.
“It would be an adjustment, just like leaving home for college,” Lofton said. “If I need to go there (overseas) to play, I will.”
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Comments » 78
Brama writes:
I hope he does!
auttat writes:
Who cares about the NBA? Every team runs the same offensive play because the players and coaches move around so much, and the rest is just one on one phooey! Haven't watched a game since Jordan officially retired...for the 2nd time. Tried to watch before the 3rd, but it was too painful.
Chris, you are a legend. God Bless!
Lofton4three___MONEY writes:
How many players are invited to the draft anyway? For the NFL draft, there were only 6 or 7 guys there.
Lofton4Three writes:
This was expected. Mostly Lottery guys are invites. Lofton will make an NBA team and will be a very valuable guy coming off the bench to hit big shots. Don't know of one guy in this entire draft that deserves to play in the league more than C. Lofton.
Personally can't wait to be in TBA when he comes back in a few years to have his banner on the rafters.
shocker0042#634184 writes:
Dont think they are talking about the actual draft in June. Lofton wasnt invited to the pre draft camp in orlando next week where scouting is done. Once again half the info and missleading title.
KnoxVol_in_TX writes:
I truly hope all of you are correct. I wish Chris the very best and it is great to see Vol fans rally so passionately behind one of their own.
Prove 'em wrong Chris.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Chris is already a hero. He will make an NBA team whether he gets drafted or picked up in free agency and he will contribute. He works too damn hard and his shot is too pure for it to work out any other way. Somebody is going to get a bargain with Lofton.
I'd like to see the Hornets pick him up to give CP3 someone to kick out to that can consistantly knock down the open 3. I'm not a huge NBA fan, but they are a fun team to watch b/c CP3 is amazing and they are a young hungry team. Too bad they got knocked out of the playoffs. I still don't understand why Janero Pargo was trying to win the game all by himself in the last 10 minutes of that game 7. What the hell was he thinking? Stupid Razorback!
THE_VOL writes:
Thank you shocker! Some folks here just can't read I guess. As for CLo, I love him. But he will not be on an NBA roster come November. His size, lack of quickness and defensive liabilities are going to keep him from that no matter how many shots he makes. We can all still love him and hope for the best but reality is reality.
TommyJack writes:
If no NBA, so what? The man has proved he can be successful.
brad2235951 writes:
Umm what about JaJuan? He has more of a shot making it to the league, any news on him?
ncvol writes:
Great things come in small packages...
We are wishing you all the best in anything that comes your way...If it's your heart's desire to play in the NBA, then I hope it works out for you. If it doesn't, you will be a success in whatever your destiny brings.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
THE_VOL-
I didn't realize Lofton was a defensive liability. Didn't he finish his career 2nd all-time at UT in steals? I guess if he is as slow as a lot of people seem to think, there will be a bunch of SG's in the NBA that will be able to take him off the dribble, but I never thought of him as a defensive liability while he was here.
FishTacos writes:
The NBA sucks it isn't real Basketball. If you want to play pure genuine basketball go overseas and play in one of the European leagues. The NBA is nothing more than streetball with officials (cheating officials too I might add). If you don't agree with me then why do you think the current wannabe dream teamers get spanked in the international tournaments like the Olympics. With the retirement of Bird and Jordan the NBA and American Basketball went to hell. Screw the NBA get a real job.
volboy81#211803 writes:
Lofton is too nice, well-behaved and too good a member of society to be in the NBA!
ed#643218 writes:
what else is new.chis has always beaten down the naysaers,he will do it again
ed#643218 writes:
what else is new.chis has always beaten down the naysaers,he will do it again
ed#643218 writes:
what else is new.chis has always beaten down the naysaers,he will do it again
FishTacos writes:
Exactly brownsvillevol they don't play any defense in the NBA. Hence the whoopins the US gets when we play Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, etc. The NBA and pro basketball in the US is streetball led by street culture. Watch the playoffs it is like fightnight every game. The money is good though. Which is unfortunate for the poor product on the floor.
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
Teams really don't need to look at Chris work out, he is a very known quantity. So that may have effected this decision.
If a team is looking for a pure shooter that shoots very well under pressure Chris will make teh NBA. I'm not sure if they will use a draft pick for a Shootist, I kinda doubt it unfortunately.
Vol13 writes:
Chris Lofton is not an NBA player. Pure and simple. Good kid. Great story. Great player in a Vol uniform. But too short to be a #2 in the NBA and not enough off the ball skills to be a #1.
kantoine (Inactive) writes:
JJ Redick, anyone?
WVVOLFAN writes:
i was not aware that you needed to play defense to make a NBA team. You see more defense played in the Rocky Top league.
kantoine (Inactive) writes:
Additionally, UT fans are seriously blinded by orange.....there is NO WAY Lofton produces in the NBA. NONE. Can he shoot? Yes. Can he defend? No. Is he quick? No. Does he ballhandle well? No. Is he tall for a SG/SF in the NBA? No.
Lofton won't get nearly as many open looks in the NBA as he did in the SEC. I would put money on the line if there was a bet out there that said Lofton will never play a minute in the NBA. I would take that bet in a second.
Ironcity writes:
Sprechen si Deutch Chris? He will have a great career in Europe. There is nothing wrong with that. To many shortcomings to make any impact in the NBA. That doesn't tarnish in anyway his marvelous achievements at UT. Wish you well Chris I know you will do great things wherever you end up.
auttat writes:
kantoine, not sure where your angst comes against Lofton, but he is an unbelievable kid that battled cancer and wanted no pity for it. Better yet, just keep talking, it's people like you that have made Chris Lofton who he is. A LEGEND!!
bowerst#242774 writes:
Lofton improved his game every off-season to help his team and to overcome his limitations, of which he is very much aware. He cannot make himself taller but now that he is cancer-free and has his energy back, he can work even harder on agility drills and other parts of his game.
Maybe he won't make the NBA. He could play in Europe. Hell, he could be mayor of Knox County if we could only impeach the joke currently in office. He has courage, brains and integrity. Who wouldn't vote for him?
b_neas writes:
Kantoine - Lofton may not(and probably won't) make it in the NBA. But do not compare him to JJ Redick. Lofton could create his own shots, and made ten times more contested 3's than Redick. Redick was a stand still shooter on a team that had 3 other offensive threats. Chris would have broke his record too had it not been for his brave fight against cancer. Last time I checked Redick was still on an NBA roster, so yeah, maybe Chris does have a chance.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
hey, guys, great posts on this, even the critical ones.
Most of us
-want Chris to make it
-want Jajuan to make it
-won't be surprised if neither do.
It really is kind of sad these kids don't get paid for what they bring to the university in terms of tv, gate, and promotional money. Sure, they get an education, but so does a piano major on scholarship. Thing is, not too many pay 100 bucks a seat to see the piano major.
Ah, heck, I'm being rational again, sorry 'bout that.
murrayvol writes:
mcbrim: I'm afraid you're right pilgrim. My heart aches for the Gators. Interesting question in the piece: "why Donovan didn't do more to stop Speights from entering the draft." Any ideas?
Regards back atcha,
murrayvol writes:
Whether Lofton makes it in the NBA or not won't change the way most of us feel about his contribution to Tennessee.
I hope he gets a shot (no pun intended) because it's the biggest stage, regardless of how we may view (or not view) the league.
murrayvol writes:
Any bets on how many, if any, seniors are drafted in the first round? My money's on none.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Kantoine-
I've got $20 that says Lofton plays at least 1 minute in the NBA. BTW he does defend and ball handle well. Maybe not great but well enough to make a team and get a shot to play some minutes off the bench. I'll admit that I don't watch a lot of NBA games, but I'll still take your bet.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
murrayvol-
I think Roy Hibbert will get drafted in the 1st round, but that's about it. I also think whoever gets him will be sorely dissapointed.
bowerst#242774 writes:
mparker, the only problem with that is that many kids should get more appreciation than they do for other skills besides sports. Maybe folks don't pay $100 to see math majors do their thing, but in the long run, their skills do matter.
People pay a lot to see porn too. In fact, that and Al Gore are why God gave us the Internet, from what I hear.
dfreeman writes:
Actually in his career Chris did VERY well playing against lottery players! Players currently in the NBA and players soon to be there! Why wouldn't he do well? John Paxon (hope I spelled that last name right, it's been awhile since I've seen or heard that name!) Chicago Bulls comes to mind!
CrankE writes:
Best way to get Lofton to perform is to snub him. I'll pick him for rookie of the year.
TommyJack writes:
kantoine: Just what we need...another negative nelly. egad
pdhuff#552644 writes:
True, TJ, the nerve to come on here with an opinion.
Especially of your own choosing...
Lofton, me lad, wish you all the best and thanks.
Colliervol writes:
Get real fellas. As much as I like Chris, he is a 6-1 shooting guard who isn't that quick. The NBA is full of cat-quick 6-5 to 6-8 shooting guards who will guard you from the time you cross half court.
I remember John Paxson and Steve Kerr too. And, coincidentally, they both played with Michael Jordan who constantly drew double teams. No wonder they had all sorts of wide open jump shots. That would be the only way Chris could be successful and those situations are few and far between.
Oh, by the way, if you think NBA teams don't play defense, you aren't paying attention. If they didn't play defense, those teams would score 200 points each per game. Sure, some don't play it as well as others but watch a Spurs or Pistons game. Those guys will cut your heart out and eat it on the court just to stop you from scoring.
murrayvol writes:
dfreeman: Welcome back! Your visits have been few and far between lately.
murrayvol writes:
IBleed: Forgot about Hibbert. He will be a first rounder but I think he's got a chance to play for a few years if he get's an attitude transplant.
murrayvol writes:
Collier: Good point on NBA defense. You may not notice it but it's there.
A good frame of reference is to compare the NBA Allstar Game where zero defense is played to a regular season (or playoff) game where they get serious on D.
TommyJack writes:
dfreeman: You been in Vegas? Lose your hiney? lol
thethommyb writes:
I'd take that bet, too.
Lofton sees the floor in the NBA.
What does this guy have to do to get YOU (aren't you vol fans?) to believe in him?!
thethommyb writes:
Go back and watch the Memphis game LAST year.
Not the 07-08 game IN Memphis, but last year in TBA.
(That was the grown-up Chris Lofton. He did NOT play over his head in that game. He played as his future self.)
Then, tell me he can't get to the NBA.
And I don't mean think about that game for a second, like you actually remember what it was like to watch that.
I mean WATCH it again (or even just highlights). It will blow you away.
Smallmike4pres writes:
Just another reason that the NBA is a sh*t league & has no clue about real talent. Marcus Haislip was a lottery pick for God's sake.
GreerVol22 writes:
I realize the NBA has to make a determination on something but to use draftexpress' judgement and score from a season where he was mentally and physically dealing with cancer is pretty shallow.
MillisaAnn writes:
That's not fair, Chris you go and prove these people wrong.
budrhon writes:
Chris was indeed a great college Basketball player, but the NBA is another level. I like many wish him well in trying to achieve this goal; however not making it doesn't take away from his contribution on the college level. I know I will tell my child every game he played was worth the time for me to watch. The comment on the defense in the NBA being weak (auttat). Man you obviously don't control the remote in your house because if you did you would have been watching some of the best basketball during these playoffs. The Hornets-Spurs was great and now we have Celtics -v-Pistons and the Lakers -v-Spurs. Be the man and turn off Lifetime and Oxgen and watch some grown men hoop ball. It's okay everyone in here has your back. (I'm Budrhon and I approve of this message)
BigOrangeInCarolina writes:
The NBA sure could use someone of Chris' character. Not only is he a great player who has proven that he can overcome seemingly insurmountable adversity, he has plenty of talent and common sense. He could be a great ambassador for the NBA, and would certainly be a welcome change to all the thugs they have playing now. Keep fightin', man. The Vol Nation is behind you.
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