Two of the most celebrated and successful Vols in Tennessee basketball history saw their careers come to an end this spring.  Chris Lofton has been regarded as one of the best shooters in college basketball history, and Candace Parker has been called the best, period. And it seems all but certain that both will eventually see their jerseys retired.

Simply put, Lofton and Parker are two names that will be mentioned for years to come when discussing Tennessee basketball greats. But now that their college careers are over, they will both look to move on to the next level -- professional basketball.

For Parker, the situation is simple.  The day after her team brought home their second consecutive NCAA National Championship and she was named MOP in the tournament, the Los Angeles Sparks selected her as the first pick in the draft.  That was no surprise to most, but Parker says it's a day she won't soon forget.

“To be selected first pick in the draft and just to finally reach this level is almost surreal," Parker said. "I really feel like I have accomplished a dream.

It was less than 24 hours after my team won their second national championship and to turn around and go first in the draft was incredible. It left me wondering, what more can I ask for?”

I really feel like I have accomplished a dream. Candace Parker

Since the national championship, Parker has been in a whirlwind preparing in L.A. for the start of her pro career, and she says she has had little time to do much else.

“There really wasn’t a lot of time to stop and rest, I went from the game, to the draft, to L.A. for some promo work and the Wooden Awards, all the while working on signing my agent, endorsement deals, a shoe contract, and moving. And now, the season begins.”

Last month she signed two multi-year endorsements, with Adidas and Gatorade, although details were not released.

Parker will make her pro debut with the Sparks this Saturday in a nationally televised game against Phoenix at 3:30 p.m. on ABC. 

For Lofton, a pro career is likely as well. Where he'll play, however, is yet to be determined.

Since Tennessee’s NCAA tournament run ended in the Sweet Sixteen, Lofton has attended the Final Four in San Antonio to compete in the 3-point contest. He also participated in the Portsmouth Invitational, a three-day tournament where 64 of the nation’s top seniors compete in front of NBA representatives.  He averaged 20 points and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Lofton says he hopes to be invited to the NBA predraft camp in Orlando.

“The NBA draft doesn’t take place until June, so right now I am just working out everyday and attending a few camps and invitationals," Lofton said.

"Once the draft comes around I will know for sure whether I will be playing here or perhaps taking my game to the pro leagues overseas."