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After Andre Ingram’s play, former Vols guard Chris Lofton deserves shot at NBA

By Billy Williford

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 23: Chris Lofton #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers shoots a layup around Robert Dozier #2 of the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum on February 23, 2008 in Memphis, Tennessee. Volunteers beat the Tigers 66-62. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 23: Chris Lofton #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers shoots a layup around Robert Dozier #2 of the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum on February 23, 2008 in Memphis, Tennessee. Volunteers beat the Tigers 66-62. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) /
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At age 32, Andre Ingram scored 19 points as a rookie for the Lakers. It proved that former Tennessee Volunteers guard Chris Lofton needs a shot at the NBA.

Andre Ingram has spent the last ten years of his life grinding in the NBA G-League. He holds the all-time G League record for the most three-pointers made, and he finally received his call-up to the big stage.

On Tuesday night, Ingram checked in for the Los Angeles Lakers and scored 19 points on 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. It was a once in a lifetime dream for the 32-year-old and a great story for any young player trying to live their dream.

Andre Ingram has a memory that will last forever. He will always be able to say he scored 19 points in an NBA game and no one will be able to take that away from him. The story at least in Vol Nation proved that former Vol Chris Lofton still could make a difference on an NBA roster.

Chris Lofton will go down in Tennessee basketball history as one of the best players to wear the orange and white. No offense to Admiral Schofield but Lofton’s no. 5 jersey should already be hanging in the rafters of Thompson-Boling Arena.

By the end of his exceptional career, Lofton held the SEC record for most career three-pointers made (431). He also held many single-game records which include most three-points made (9) and attempts (20). And, then there are the single-season records for three-pointers made (118) and attempts (307).

Lofton was the type of player that made the most difficult shots seems natural. And, is always on the shooting end of memorable shots that will last in the memory banks of Vol fans forever. Remember the 40-plus foot jumper over Texas forward and NBA great, Kevin Durant. Of course, you do, and as soon as the ball left Lofton’s hands, you knew it was going in. He was almost at half court and drained it like it was a wide open shot.

The year before in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Lofton hit a three at the buzzer to give the Vols a win over Winthrop. What is amazing is Lofton is still getting it done today.

He currently plays for Le Mans Sarthe in the France-ProA league. Lofton has appeared in 14 games thus far and is shooting a scorching 51.7 percent from beyond the arc. There is no doubt Lofton could be a role player for any NBA team with his shooting ability.

Next: 5 bold predictions for 2018-2019 Vols

The Phoenix Suns have the league’s worst record at 21-61 so what would it hurt giving Chris Lofton a shot? He might pan out in the summer leagues and make the roster next season. You never know, Lofton could be the best shot the Suns have taken all season.

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