Lofton to look at NBA

Say it isn’t so Chris.

Randy Smith of Chattangooga’s Channel 3 News is reporting the following:

Tennessee fans shouldn’t be alarmed, just maybe a bit concerned. SEC Player Of The Year Chris Lofton is headed to the NBA’s pre-draft camp this summer to determine his worth in the pro basketball market. According to draftexpress.com Lofton is considered to be projected as being picked somewhere between the 25th and the 50th choice this year.

I really don’t believe that Chris Lofton will be playing in the NBA next year so why do I suddenly feel sick to my stomach? I am sure that Lofton is just exploring all possibilities and will realize that another year at Tennessee with Bruce Pearl is in his best interest.

It is concerning though that he isn’t projected any higher in the 2008 draft than he is now. By turning pro early, Lofton could avoid potential injury and the risk that a subpar season could hurt his draft stock next year. From that perspective, it’s understandable why Chris might conisder looking to the NBA now.

If he returns to Tennessee, you have to think that the Vols would be poised to compete for an SEC Championship and a deeper NCAA Tournament run than what we witnessed this year. Is that enough to bring him back for is senior season? Time will tell.