Documentary on Chris Lofton's secret cancer battle during Vol basketball season to premiere in March
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A new episode of a popular ESPN documentary series will detail the emotional story of a beloved Tennessee basketball player who quietly battled cancer unbeknownst to Vol Nation and his own teammates.
The next installment of ESPN's SEC Storied series will chronicle Tennessee basketball great Chris Lofton's private battle cancer during the 2007-2008 season. SEC Storied: Volunteer For Life will debut on March 10 at 7 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
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Following the conclusion of his junior season that saw him named Associated Press SEC Player of the Year and lead Tennessee to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, Lofton was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He made the decision to keep the diagnosis private, only informing a small group that included then-head coach Bruce Pearl.
He returned to Rocky Top for his senior season after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in March 2007 and continued to play while receiving treatment. Lofton went on to be named to the 2008 Wooden All-America Team and become the SEC's all-time leader in made three-pointers.
He ultimately revealed the truth in an interview with ESPN's Chris Low in May 2008 after the season.
CONTINUING COVERAGE: University of Tennessee Basketball
'This is an emotional story about the courage and perseverance in the face of tremendous adversity all focused with a team first attitude,' Director Shaun Silva said in a press release. 'I wanted viewers to experience Chris's journey as he did, to feel every twist and emotional turn – through unimaginable pain, doubt, isolation, frustration and the heartbreaking disappointment he endured.'
Lofton's career three-point percentage stands as the second-best all-time by a Tennessee Volunteer. He owns the two most prolific three-point shooting seasons in program history as well as the school record for most three-pointers made in a game. Tennessee retired Lofton's No. 5 jersey in 2023.
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