Kenneth Lofton Jr.

Kenneth Lofton Jr.'s Biography

Kenneth Wayne Lofton Jr. has established himself as a prominent figure on the American and Chinese professional basketball scene, demonstrating a drive and determination that sets him apart from his peers. Born on August 14, 2002, his basketball journey has been impressive, to say the least.

Born and raised in the sports-loving state of Texas, Lofton’s basketball journey began in high school. As a student at Memorial High School in Port Arthur, he transitioned from being a guard to a post player after a significant growth spurt. This change not only demonstrated his adaptability but also played a role in his team’s victory in the 5A state title during his sophomore year. Excelling as a high school senior, he recorded an average of 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. This outstanding performance led to his being named a 5A All-State honoree and a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

His successful high school career resulted in an opportunity to play college basketball for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, which he embraced wholeheartedly. He made a substantial impact in his freshman year, averaging 12.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Lofton emerged as an All-Tournament Team selection after recording a season-high of 27 points and 13 rebounds in a game against Colorado State. His achievements did not stop there, as he ended up tying the record for the third-most Conference USA Freshman of the Week titles and becoming the first Louisiana Tech freshman to lead the team in rebounding since Paul Millsap in the 2003-04 season.

Building on his success, Lofton saw further recognition during his sophomore year when he earned a place on the First Team All-Conference USA. He continued to impress, averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. It was in 2022 that Lofton declared himself eligible for the NBA draft becoming a valuable addition to the American basketball talent pool.

Even though he went unselected in the 2022 NBA draft, his perseverance didn’t go unnoticed. Lofton signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. In his first NBA game, which took place the same year, he scored four points in a match against the Dallas Mavericks. Lofton’s time with the Grizzlies was marked with several accolades, namely his inclusion in the G League’s inaugural Next Up Game and being conferred the NBA G League Rookie of the Year Award. His career milestone arrived in a match against the Oklahoma City Thunder where he scored a career-high 42 points and 14 rebounds in his first game as a starter.

Lofton’s professional basketball career map doesn’t end with the NBA. It saw further moves, as he played for several franchises including the Philadelphia 76ers, the Utah Jazz, and the Chicago Bulls. Eventually, in 2024, he signed a contract to play with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association, extending his career internationally.

Beyond his achievements in the United States, Lofton also represented his country in the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Latvia. He played a crucial role in the team’s victory, leading the US in a thrilling come-from-behind match against France in the final game. Earning gold for his country further bolstered Lofton’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the court.

Lofton comes from a family deeply rooted in sports. Despite rumors, his father is not the former professional baseball player Kenny Lofton but Kenneth Sr., a military veteran and long-time U.S. postal service employee. His older sister, Kennedi, continued the basketball lineage, playing at the college level for Southern. Moreover, his grandfather Gene “Rock” Duhon, was a track and field athlete at Southern University and competed in the United States Olympic Trials, further attesting to the athletic genes running in the family.

Every step of Kenneth Wayne Lofton Jr.’s journey, from his high school courts in Texas to professional leagues in America and China, reiterates his passion for basketball. In his rise, he has exemplified resilience and hard work, making a name for himself amidst an array of prodigious talent.