It's interesting that you bring that up. I can tell Kenneth Lofton Jr. is overweight right now. Especially compared to what I saw last spring when he played in the NIT in Frisco, and this past summer when I saw him play in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup Tournament in Latvia for the U. S. team. Frankly, I think he needs to drop about 15 lbs to get some of his finesse back. I want to see more of Lofton's dance steps under the basket.
Agree on the dance steps and that is exactly what they are. He is magical under the basket! A few pounds off would help him, but he does move people with his body. He is VERY quick under the basket for his size. It throws off most people when they see him. Him being a guard in high school helped him a LOT!
Lofton doesn't exactly glide up and down the floor like a Cobe Williams, but he must be in much better aerobic shape than he was since he played for 36 minutes in the game. There were a few times he was late getting back on defense, but for the most part I thought he had good hustle. He moves pretty good for a rotund person when he has had breakaway steals. A person's BMI is not always the best indicator for determining fitness. I think his junk in the trunk is more of an asset than a liability. I say let the boy be #BuiltDifferent
I think the NIL program is going to keep some players in school longer than they would have stayed in prior years. Now, here's a crazy thought - how many athletes enjoy the college experience so much they are not in a big hurry to leave, especially if there is not a huge need for money? I'm talking about the social aspects of college - not the classroom part. There are numerous videos of Lofton interacting with other students on campus. I think chances are good he'll stay at Tech for at least one more season - but I could certainly be wrong.
I don't remember where I read it, but I remember seeing that his parents put a VERY high emphasis on education. They will want him to finish his degree. Some do that on the side later, I guess, though. Right now, I am just enjoying having him on our team. I hope Konkol is out looking for the next star now...
Junior's dad has been on the Port Arthur School Board since 2007 and was most recently re-elected in November 2020. I'm confident Junior will at least seek the advice of his parents regarding what he should do. https://www.panews.com/2020/11/03/po...-school-board/
Here's my advice to Junior...play all the years you can at Tech. Doesn't he get 5 years of eligibility because of the China Virus mess, or was that the just the previous year? Anyway, play at Tech for FOUR years!
There...now that that is settled, move on to other topics.