JERUSALEM, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Israeli EuroCup club Hapoel Jerusalem announced Sunday the signing of power forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. to a one-year contract, adding one of the Chinese Basketball Association's standout imports from the past two seasons.

The 23-year-old American played college basketball at Louisiana Tech before making 49 NBA appearances over two seasons, primarily with the Memphis Grizzlies, while also spending time with the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz.

Lofton averaged 4.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 45 NBA regular-season games.

He moved to China in late 2024 to join the Shanghai Sharks, leading the club to the CBA playoffs and earning International MVP honors after averaging 25.2 points, 12.6 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 34 regular-season games.

Last season, Lofton helped Shanghai win its first CBA title in 17 years, defeating Zhejiang Guangsha 4-1 in the finals, which concluded last month.

Hapoel Jerusalem coach Sasa Obradovic hailed Lofton's signing.

"Kenny has a rare combination of strength, talent and the ability to influence the game," Obradovic said.

"He will give us a strong presence in the paint, improve our rebounding and add offensive versatility. He has proven himself throughout his career."

Lofton said he was excited to begin the next chapter of his career.

"I was impressed by the club's high ambitions from the first moment," he said. ■