During the U19 World Cup final, everyone expected to see a great Chet Holmgren, future No. 1 in Draft announced. But no: the most impactful American is called Kenneth Lofton Jr, he has a totally physical atypical, and he struck down the young Blueberries. Discovery.
The final of the U19 World Cup this Sunday was to be the perfect opportunity to see two announced monsters clash: the French nugget Victor Wembanyama and the potential No. 1 of the 2022 Draft Chet Holmgren. Yes the future ASVEL player has held his rank by brushing against the triple-double thanks to his 22 points, 8 rebounds and 8 blocks, Holmgren was more discreet …
With only 10 points, 5 assists and 2 rebounds, the interior did not necessarily justify his title of MVP of the competition during this match. Because in the final, when it was necessary to raise the level and put in points, the Americans turned to a young man that few people knew a few days ago: Kenneth Lofton Jr (16 points and 7 rebounds). And a single sequence is enough to understand the player he is.
Kenny Lofton Jr. with the bucket and then the strip on the other end. A true American hero. pic.twitter.com/IMEhRjQ54D
— Ricky O’Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) July 11, 2021
With his totally atypical physique at the high level (2m01 and 125 kilos), Kenny Lofton Jr has a rather surprising style. We might expect a somewhat delicate player and very rough stripping, but his game at the post is a rare softness today. With a good shoulder kick and sophisticated footwork under the hoop, he can easily finish in the paint. It is no coincidence that he finished top scorer for Team USA with 13.1 points per game! If we add to this a keen sense of offensive rebound (3 against France), we understand that KLJ has a lot of strings to its bow.
If the 18-year-old has been able to adapt to the high international level, it is because he already knows the intensity and the demands of the NCAA, where a good number of his teammates are still in high school. He played last season at Louisiana Tech where he averaged 12.2 points and 7.5 rebounds – enough to secure him the title of best Freshman in his conference! And during the big end of season tournament (the NIT, editor’s note), he allowed his Bulldogs to take 3rd place thanks to his 27 points and 13 rebounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqTeXh6UfmQ
On the other hand, the lack of outside shooting of the guy and his galleys at the free throw could, in addition to his overweight, be a brake on a career in the NBA … No doubt, however, that he will find where to exercise his talent.
Kenneth Lofton Jr may not succeed in joining the NBA with his particular profile… But in Europe, he could well do quite a bit of work in rackets!
