University of Tennessee Athletics
CHRIS LOFTON STATEMENT REGARDING THE NBA DRAFT
April 24, 2007 | Men's Basketball
April 24, 2007
Following are statements from junior guard Chris Lofton and head coach Bruce Pearl regarding Lofton's status with the NBA Draft.
After reviewing my draft status, I have decided to remain at the University of Tennessee for my senior year. According to the information that we received from the NBA draft advisory committee I was not guaranteed to be selected in the first round of this year's draft. Because of this, I have decided not to submit my name for the draft. I appreciate all of Coach (Bruce) Pearl's guidance throughout this process. Coming back for my senior year will give me the opportunity to work on my game so I can become a better player. There are also a lot of things that we can accomplish here as a team.
After doing good diligence and research, it was determined that Chris would most likely be picked in the second round of the draft. We've been told that this is one of the deeper and better drafts in the last 10 years. That, along with Chris's desire to graduate and be a first team All-America, were enough for him to return for his senior year. Chris has made tremendous progress with his game in each of the last two years. There is no doubt in my mind that he will continue to work hard to accomplish his goals.
Lofton Invited To Participate In USA Basketball Trials For Pan American Games
Chris Lofton, a junior guard who led the Southeastern Conference in scoring in 2007, has been invited by USA Basketball to attend the trials for the 2007 Pan American Games Team beginning July 12 in Philadelphia, Pa. Team finalists will remain in Philadelphia for training camp and then travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the competition July 25-29. Villanova's Jay Wright will coach the USA squad. The Pan American Games is a multi-sport event between the countries of North, South and Central America.
