Darius Miller and Chris Lofton Honored with Keys to the City of Maysville
MAYSVILLE, Ky. (Mason County Post) — Maysville recently celebrated Former Kentucky Wildcat Darius Miller and former Tennessee Volunteer Chris Lofton. The two basketball legends were presented with the Keys to the City of Maysville in recognition of their dedication to the community and their positive impact on local youth.
The honor was bestowed during the 13th annual Darius Miller & Chris Lofton Skills Camp, held June 9–11, 2026, at the Mason County Fieldhouse. Mayor Debra Cotterill and City Manager Matt Wallingford made the presentation in front of over 100 young campers who had spent the week learning from the two basketball standouts.
“Chris and Darius, for your dedication, time, and effort in ensuring a positive experience for the youth of our area, for being shining, positive examples to our students, and giving generously back to your community, I present you the keys to the City of Maysville, along with our heartfelt thanks, respect, and gratitude,” Mayor Cotterill said.
Local Heroes on the Hardwood
Both Miller and Lofton are graduates of Mason County High School in Maysville. Their paths diverged in college — Miller to the University of Kentucky and Lofton to the University of Tennessee — but they remain deeply connected to their hometown.
Darius Miller played a key role on Kentucky’s 2012 NCAA National Championship team. The 6’7” wing was drafted 46th overall by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) in 2012 and enjoyed a solid professional career that included time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since retiring from playing, Miller has stayed active in the basketball community, running training programs in Lexington with plans to expand youth sports initiatives.
Chris Lofton, a 6’2” sharpshooting guard, is one of the greatest long-range shooters in SEC history. He earned SEC Player of the Year honors in 2007, was a consensus All-American, and set numerous 3-point records at Tennessee. His No. 5 jersey was retired by the Volunteers in 2023. Lofton overcame a cancer diagnosis during his college career and has since become a beloved figure in Kentucky basketball circles, frequently seen at high school games.
Giving Back Through Basketball
The annual skills camp, now in its 13th year, has become a cornerstone event for young athletes in the region. It offers instruction across skill levels for kids ages 7–14, emphasizing not just basketball fundamentals but also character and community values.
Miller and Lofton were joined by their parents for the ceremony, underscoring the family and hometown roots that continue to shape their post-playing lives. As one observer noted, spending time in central Kentucky often means crossing paths with these local legends — proof of their enduring presence and influence.
This recognition highlights more than athletic achievement. It celebrates two men who have translated success on the court into meaningful contributions off it, inspiring the next generation in the very community that nurtured their talents.