Lofton to play in Spain

Former Tennessee All-American Chris Lofton’s is headed back overseas to play in Europe’s premier professional basketball league.

“It doesn’t get any better than this overseas, and I’ll be in the Euroleague,’’ Lofton said, conducting a final interview before boarding a plane in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday afternoon that’s destined for Germany and ultimately Spain. “This is going to be great.’’

Lofton has agreed to a two-month deal with Spain’s Caja Liboral with the team having the option to extend the deal for the remainder of the season. Lofton will sign the contract upon his arrival Saturday with Caja Liboral, which plays in the ACB (Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto) as well as the Euroleague.

“Chris excelled last year in Turkey, and now he’s earned himself a spot in the top professional league in Europe,’’ UT coach Bruce Pearl said. “It’s just a matter of time before he’s playing in the NBA.’’

Lofton led Mersin of the Turkish professional league to its first-ever playoff appearance last season, finishing third in the league with 20.1 points per game including a breakout 61-point performance. Lofton hit 17 of 22 of his 3-point attempts in that contest.

“The thing I didn’t like as much about the Turkish league was we only played one game a week,’’ said Lofton, who outside of his trips to the gym stayed in his apartment watching the NBA via satellite. “This time, I’ll play one game a week in the Euroleague, and then we also play a game a week in our own league in Spain.’’

Lofton played in the NBA Summer League for the Boston Celtics and enjoyed more shooting success, but the franchise was well-stocked at shooting guard and Lofton wasn’t signed.

He said he’s spent the past three weeks in his hometown of Maysville, Ky., working out and waiting for the right offer.

“Last year when I left, I was nervous,’’ Lofton said. “This time, I’m excited. I’m happy, and I feel like I’m ready.’’

Caja Liboral has made four consecutiv e Euroleague Final Four appearances, and Lofton said that was another factor in his decision.

“This team has a really good history,’’ Lofton said. “They called me yesterday (Thursday) and I’m on a plane today.’’

Lofton said he has packed a limited amount of clothes, a couple of pairs of tennis shoes and his I-Phone and I-Pod. A car and living quarters will be provided for him.

The 18-team ACB league features such basketball standouts such as NBA first-round pick Ricky Rubio, Taquan Dean, Christian Eyenga and Gerald Fitch.

Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol and former Stanford All-America Josh Childress are former ACB players.

“With the (NBA) D-League you can get called up and go to the NBA,’’ Lofton said, referring to the route former UT star C.J. Watson took to play for the Golden State Warriors. “But over here, we’re playing against some of the better players; I know there are some things I need to work on.’’

Lofton’s shooting is not one of those things: He ranks as the SEC’s all-time leading 3-point shooter with 431 makes, which also stands third in NCAA history.

“I don’t know when my first practice is, but I know I have a game on Monday,’’ Lofton said. “Is it an exhibition game? I have no idea. They just told me there’s a game, and I just know I’ll be ready to play.’’

Lofton wasn’t even sure what city in Spain his plane was scheduled to land.

His team plays in Vitoria, located in the North and center of Spain. Vitoria has a population of 236,525, and was recently rated second among all cities in Spain in its standard of living.

Not that it makes a difference to Lofton.

Three years ago, when asked when he would start to enjoy the Vols’ overseas trip to Prague, Czech Republic, Lofton replied: “When I get in the gym.’’

The country and teams have changed, but Lofton has not.

Asked if he had any concerns about the pending trip, Lofton replied, “Yeah, I need to find a place in this airport to get my IPod charged up.’’

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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