Posted by brownsvillevol on May 22, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

he will make an nba team and he will prove all the critics wrong as he's done his whole career.

Posted by Brama on May 22, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope he does!

Posted by auttat on May 22, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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 CRAP! 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!

Posted by Lofton4three___MONEY on May 22, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How many players are invited to the draft anyway? For the NFL draft, there were only 6 or 7 guys there.

Posted by JohnAdamsIsTrash on May 22, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ive watched these NBA playoff teams miss 3 point shot after shot. If that is all Chris does for you, he is worth his weight in gold!

Posted by Lofton4Three on May 22, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by shocker0042 on May 22, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by KnoxVol_in_TX on May 22, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 22, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by THE_VOL on May 22, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by TommyJack on May 22, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If no NBA, so what? The man has proved he can be successful.

Posted by brad2235951 on May 22, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Umm what about JaJuan? He has more of a shot making it to the league, any news on him?

Posted by ncvol on May 22, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 22, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by FishTacos on May 22, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by volboy81 on May 22, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lofton is too nice, well-behaved and too good a member of society to be in the NBA!

Posted by brownsvillevol on May 22, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i disagree the nba is all about pick and roll or one on one match ups.everyone in the nba is a defensive liability.you can't run through a screen and not even superman can run fast enough to catch his man after getting screened that's why they instituted the zone defense to help defend the pick and roll and one on one match ups.

Posted by ed on May 22, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what else is new.chis has always beaten down the naysaers,he will do it again

Posted by ed on May 22, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what else is new.chis has always beaten down the naysaers,he will do it again

Posted by ed on May 22, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what else is new.chis has always beaten down the naysaers,he will do it again

Posted by FishTacos on May 22, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on May 22, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by Vol13 on May 22, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by kantoine on May 22, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JJ Redick, anyone?

Posted by WVVOLFAN on May 22, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by kantoine on May 22, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by mcbrim1998 on May 22, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2...
------
If this report is accurate (scroll down), it looks like we (Gators) will lose Speights.

Regards,

Posted by Ironcity on May 22, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by auttat on May 22, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!

Posted by bowerst on May 22, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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?

Posted by b_neas on May 22, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by mparker on May 22, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by murrayvol on May 22, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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,

Posted by murrayvol on May 22, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by brownsvillevol on May 22, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

some of you don't get it NO ONE IN THE NBA PLAYS DEFENSIVE BASKETBALL. look at ginobili he couldn't guard a fart coming out my butt and same goes for stoyacavic and many others.but the one thing they can do is spot up and nail a three pointer on a fairly consistent basis. lofton won't get drafted but he more than likley will sign as a free agent. he has six fouls to give and is a prolific three point threat. just ask kevin durant.

Posted by murrayvol on May 22, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Any bets on how many, if any, seniors are drafted in the first round? My money's on none.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 22, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by brownsvillevol on May 22, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dorsey won't get drafted in either round but don't tell that to the mempho fans.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 22, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by bowerst on May 22, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by dfreeman on May 22, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by CrankE on May 22, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Best way to get Lofton to perform is to snub him. I'll pick him for rookie of the year.

Posted by TommyJack on May 22, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kantoine: Just what we need...another negative nelly. egad

Posted by pdhuff on May 22, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by Colliervol on May 22, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by murrayvol on May 22, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman: Welcome back! Your visits have been few and far between lately.

Posted by murrayvol on May 22, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by murrayvol on May 22, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by TommyJack on May 22, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman: You been in Vegas? Lose your hiney? lol

Posted by thethommyb on May 22, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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?!

Posted by thethommyb on May 22, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by Smallmike4pres on May 22, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by mcbrim1998 on May 22, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

murray, Donovan is very open with his players and he knows what their personal positions are (family, financial, etc)and where the guy will land in the draft. Once he has the facts, if Speights is going to get a good deal, he will recommend he take the money, if not, Billy will then tell them he recommends they stay.

Regards

Posted by GreerVol22 on May 22, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by MillisaAnn on May 22, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's not fair, Chris you go and prove these people wrong.

Posted by budrhon on May 22, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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)

Posted by BigOrangeInCarolina on May 23, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by route33 on May 23, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Chris!! You will wear the NBA uniform! Thanks for the Greatest memories ever for me as a Vol fan. You are in our Prayers!

Posted by VenomousVol on May 23, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not going to say he can't do it. Chris has taught me over the last 4 years not to be suprised by anything he accomplishes. If the longshot comes in and Chris lands in the NBA it will be just another instance of him beating the odds and proving the experts wrong. I will be rooting for him every step of the way. Light'em up C-Lo!

Posted by pdhuff on May 23, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, sometimes hung from the rafters is not a good thang! Being well-.....

Posted by TommyJack on May 23, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I got it. :)

Posted by johnlg00 on May 23, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad to see that some who have commented on the NBA have actually watched a few games, such as murrayvol, Colliervol, and budrhon. Most of the rest of you are just repeating stuff you have heard other people say. There are some players and teams, especially young ones, who don't play good defense, but ALL of the championship teams, dating back to the Bill Russell era in Boston, play GREAT defense. The poor defensive teams don't even make the playoffs or stay long if they do. The casual fan knows Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as great offensive talents; the serious fan knows that both are shut-down defenders. I couldn't love Chris Lofton more if he were my own son, but he could never get off a shot against such as MJ and Kobe. That said, I think he could get a roster spot with the right team. I won't lose any sleep or any respect for Chris if he doesn't, and neither should he. Playing ball in Europe is a great gig, and he will always be #1 in Big Orange hearts.

Posted by auttat on May 23, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry budrhon, I was the biggest MJ fan you could possibly imagine. I hardly missed a game. I know that fundamentals were slacking in his day, too, but I lost all respect for the NBA when I saw Wally Szerbiak, on 2 occasions 5 minutes apart, have both feet clearly inside the 3pt line, not take a dribble and shoot a 3.

For the record, I never said that they don't play defense.

Posted by THE_VOL on May 23, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad to see that at least a few of you - eVolution, kantoine - get it. As I said in my first post - I LOVE THIS KID! I know him personally and there is no better character guy in all of sports imo. And yes I do hope I'm wrong on this one BUT reality is reality and I just don't see it happenin' for him in the NBA. The FACTS are the FACTS - he is small, he is slow (by comparison to most NBA 2 guards), he doesn't handle the ball well enough to go against quicker guards, and he IS a defensive liability (steals are one of the most overrated, misleading stats in sports). Bigger 2 guards will post him up all day in the NBA after they tire of driving by him. That's not a knock it's just the way it is.

Those singing the myth of no defense in the NBA should either watch a game sometime, learn the game sometime or just stop embarrassing yourself.

As for JaJuan, well, he may have much larger things than the NBA to worry about before it's all over.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on May 23, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL-

I've learned not to refute your posts b//c you always seem to know what you are talking about. It sounds like we should all be praying for JaJuan. I hope he's not in too much trouble. I always thought he had a better chance of making an NBA team than Chris b/c he seems to me to be quicker, better on D, and is a little better off the dribble. Any chance you want to share what's going on with him? I fully understand if not, but I sure hope he's not in a bunch of trouble.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 23, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ditto on what Collier said. Making a career out of being a spot up 3 point specialist like Kerr or Paxson wouldn't be the worst thing in the world though. Hopefully he lands in the right situation. I know this will be the first time I have cared one iota about the NBA draft in probably 15 years because of this kid though.

Posted by davidray31 on May 23, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A couple of years back Lofton made some very difficult three point shots look routine.Againist Florida and Texas to name a couple.The three point prowess that he possess is enough to give him a shot at the NBA.

Posted by AllLadyVol on May 23, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok, he isn't the fastest or the tallest player in the world. So what.

If you don't want somebody who can shoot over a guy six inches taller with a hand in his face, don't draft Lofton.

If you don't want a guy who inspires and leads his team, don't draft Lofton.

If you don't want a go-to player who delivers in clutch situations, don't draft Lofton.

Chris Lofton's style of play reminds me a lot of Derek Fisher, although Fisher is a stronger defensive player but undoubtedly Lofton has the potential to learn, grow and have an impact upon the NBA.

He is a true competitor and great example of what an athlete should be, whether NBA scouts recognize it or not.

Posted by Vol13 on May 23, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL!!!! Derek Fisher is a natural Point Guard and he made the NBA as a 1. They are nothing alike. Lofton won't sniff the league as a 2 and he would get his pocket picked by half court trying to bring the ball up as a 1 routinely.

Tell you what. Go to nba.com and come back with all the starting 2 guards in the league that are 6'1 or shorter and can't create their own shot. Then we can talk.

Posted by murrayvol on May 23, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mcbrim: Point taken. That's to Billy's credit.

Best wishes,

Posted by pearlific on May 23, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ask Lebron James if he would like a spot up 3-shooter to dish to when he's doubled driving through the lane! Lofton can play in the NBA. always room for shooters!

Posted by dfreeman on May 23, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

murrayvol - Thanks, I've been away alot! It's beginning to settle down a bit though!

Posted by dfreeman on May 23, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ - I didn't do too bad for myself! Who knew I'd be "the gambler"!! LOL I ran from roulette like a scalded dog though!!

Posted by dfreeman on May 23, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ - I didn't do too bad for myself! Who knew I'd be "the gambler"!! LOL I ran from roulette like a scalded dog though!!

Posted by TommyJack on May 23, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman: Yeah, it's a sucker bet, but I have trouble walking past those tables...always start off well, then give it back and then some. Guess that's why they're there. lol

Posted by pdhuff on May 23, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stop about 9:45 pm and look around on the Strip.

See all those lights, millions of beautiful lights and neon. You think winners pay those light bills. Denied. Its always the people who come back and say, I came back a little ahead!

Yeah right! Its entertainment. When I lived in the Bay Area, we'd scoot over to Tahoe once a month. One trip I was up $4500.00 with a couple hours to go, so I started doubling up on red/black-odd even at roulette. Left there $350.00 loser. They know how to do it.

Might as well play the big wheel. Or if you're taking $5,000.00 to gamble with, throw $2000.00 in the lake and stay at home. You be $3000.00 better off.

Big light bills.....

Posted by dfreeman on May 23, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL PD - I walked away from it up quite nicely! I wanted to max bet everything and hit a progressive, but thankfully God gave me a wife with brains!!

Posted by dfreeman on May 23, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ - Yeah and that's the easiest and the hardest to hit big!! LOL It's just one more time! I had to run run run!! LOL I love it out there though! Have family that lives out there as well!! Next year we're staying at the Bellagio!! How's Texas these days??

Posted by ctownvol on May 24, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A prolific shooter from ANYWHERE on the floor, a near or above 90% free throw %, the always important high character guy who has a heart the size of all the outdoors. ANY NBA gm wouldn't be worth his weight in empty dapper dan cans if he didn't snatch up CL. Or maybe I am just partial, but not on this one. I, like most of all of you, have watched this young man dazzle us for 4 years on the court only to show us what he is made of off the court. So maybe he's not 6'9", able to jump out of the gym. Chris Lofton is 10 times that player. Someone will pick him up and he will get his shot. Call it Karma. Call it justice. Call it what you want, but I believe good things happen to good people, and until I am proven wrong I will believe CL is a good man who has earned his "shot"...yes that pun was intended! We would LOVE to have him here in Atlanta. We're pullin' for you Chris. You have earned this and it will happen for you! Sorry for being so long-winded on this one, but that young man is special and I was so honored he wore the Orange and White. And that's all I have to say about that.

Posted by TommyJack on May 24, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dfreeman: South Texas is hot already.
Haven't stayed at Bellagio, but walked thru it. It's a swanky s.o.b.

Posted by dfreeman on May 24, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ - you can always go to the beach right? I always wanted to go to South Padre Island! I hear it's nice!!

Posted by ballewville6 on May 24, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i hope chris makes an nba roster im tired of so much talent coming out of tennessee and never making it in nba ,while watching kentucky players who all played and this list that has played for or presently play for boston rondo no way he is better than chris ,walter mcarty,antoine walker,ron mercer and a bunch of others for different teams,if people like john paxson and steve kerr and alot of current players who arnt fit to clean chris,s shoes,he isnt the fastest and cant jump out of the gym but he has three things that make him ,1 heart, 2 shooting ,3 the knowlidge of the game knowing how to get it done.if he hadnt fought the cancer and had the chemo he wouldnt have got off to the slow start and would have been 2 time sec player of the year and 2 time all american and 2 on tennessees all time scoring list behind houston and would have had the most 3 pointers in ncaa history ,he would have gotten about 50 or 60 more 3 pointers and averaged over 20 a game.

Posted by Colliervol on May 24, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Possible that Chris could get picked up if the right team is looking for a spot-up 3 point threat. But he just doesn't have the skills to be an everyday NBA shooting guard. At best, he'll be the 11th or 12th player on the bench.

Everybody likes to talk about his 3 point shooting prowess and that's true. However, who can he guard at the NBA level? Every shooting guard in the league will post him up and abuse him and every point guard will blow by him like he's standing still. Can you imagine him trying to guard a Kobe Bryant, Rip Hamilton, Ray Allen, or even a Mike Miller at the 2 spot or Gilbert Arenas, Tony Parker, Chris Paul, etc at the point? I mean all you have to do is look at the Grizzlies who are pitiful. Mike Miller (6'8" shooting guard) or Kyle Lowry at the point would wear him out.

He has great heart and I'd love to see him make a team but you have to put the love aside and look at the real world. I don't know many coaches or GM's in the NBA that sign players because of sentimentality.

Having said that, the Grizzlies signed Casey Jacobsen this past year and I have no clue why. Nobody ever said that every NBA GM had sense all the time.

Posted by jovi on May 24, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chis is the BEST! dont forget that you punks!

Posted by invisiblekid on May 24, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Brilliant post jovi.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 24, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have nothing but the utmost respect for Lofton and would love to see him make it in the NBA. Realistically, it's probably not going to happen though unless he finds that niche of 3 point specialist. For a glimpse of what the future holds for him in the NBA, go back and watch the Louisville game. He'll be facing entire rosters of guys like Earl Clark and better.