A FIBA gold medalist and a two time All-Conference USA member, Kenneth Lofton is one of the most skilled bigs in the draft. If he had come into the league 20 years earlier, he might have much higher draft stock. As a sophomore, Lofton averaged 16.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, and 3.1 TOPG on shooting splits of 54/20/67. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Kenneth Lofton Jr
Height/Weight: 6’6 ½/280
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’11/8’8
Hand size: 10 ½
Position: Post/PF
Pre-Draft team: PF
Tools: Post scoring, feel for the game
Pros:
- Projectable lefty jumper
- Outstandingly skilled in the post no matter the size mismatch
- Skilled passer that sees the floor well
- Strong feel for the game
- Comfortable using both hands
- Good mid-post creation with some dribble moves including a spin
- Long arms and massive hands
- Adequate footspeed on the perimeter
- Outstanding rebounder
Cons:
- Lacks explosiveness/overall athleticism
- Needs to slim down
- Must finish better with his right hand
- Can get exposed against high-level guards; was hidden defensively in college
- Must reduce turnovers
- Needs to reduce fouling
Summary:
Kenneth Lofton is a wildly unique big man at an awkward size for his play style, but could carve a role if he gains consistent in-game perimeter skills to scale up to the NBA. With a crazy strong feel for the game, Lofton will always be able to play in a high-level league of basketball, whether it be the NBA, G League, or a Euroleague team. His ability to shoot and pass are untapped, and he will need to master these skills while transitioning out of a post-oriented play style.
Defensively, Lofton has quick, agile feet in theory. However, the competition he faced in isolation was extremely limited and low-level competition. How this scales up against NBA scorers and how he learns to defend the pick & roll without getting exposed will be key to his NBA outlook.
Similar to:
Projected draft range: 50-undrafted
Expected role: Post-oriented, undersized big with incredible feel for the game on both ends of the floor to abuse mismatches, particularly in the post.
Unplayable if: Weight/size/post orientation limits his game from translating to the NBA,
Exceeds expectations if: Perimeter skills grow, his body thins down into NBA shape, and he can remain neutral on defense.
Videos:
Shot chart:
