The NBA Draft is over and done with, and former Tennessee Volunteer Chris Lofton did not hear his named called.
An All-American, Lofton was deemed by scouts as too short and too slow to defend the two spot, and not quick enough to play the point. Former Volunteer All-American and SEC Player-of-the-Year Ron Slay went undrafted in 2003 and has been bouncing around the Development League and European leagues since.
- B/R Ticket Guide
This, however, is not the end of these former stars' NBA dreams.
These two have been given a second chance by a man they once called coach. Former Volunteer coach Buzz Peterson now serves as director of player personnel for the Charlotte Bobcats. Charlotte has expressed interest in Lofton, and has invited him to their NBA Summer League team and also have reportedly arranged for Ron Slay to come in for a workout with the team. A interesting development for a coach who was fired by Tennessee in 2005 after going 61-59 with no NCAA appearances.
Peterson is still helping two of his former players even though he was ousted as their coach.
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6 months ago
Im a HUGE Lofton fan; Knew he wouldn't get drafted, but it's still really nice to see Lofton going somewhere, I just hope he gets a chance, he was an amazing player, and he put Tennessee Basketball back on the map. :)
6 months ago
Chris Lofton is a great player who will succeed if given the chance. he will succeed on the Charlotte roster with the kickout pass from Emeka Okafor!
Lofton for THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6 months ago
I like Lofton and I hope he makes the most of his tryout. He's a hard worker and could find a seat on the bench in Charlotte.
Maybe with the help of Peterson and Larry Brown these two guys can show their skills
6 months ago
Slay was signed by Jerry Green, and was a Junior when Buzz arrived on the scene.
from 6 months ago
You are right I was thinking wrong. I corrected the article
5 months ago
No, Lofton is far too one-dimensional as a player. At UT, he was a jump shooter, and one who had a pretty erratic Senior season. He shot really poorly for most of the season, especially during conference play. I watched most of UT's SEC games last season, and numerous games from his first 3 seasons. He's very limited in creating his own shot, not much good at beating other guards off the dribble and attacking the basket. Plus, he's not much on defense, assists or the boards.
Not surprised he wasn't drafted. Ramel Bradley outplayed him last season.
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