Traditionally, the Portsmouth Invitational Match (PIT) has been a springboard for under-the-radar grinders, with previous alumni together with Jimmy Butler, Derrick White, and a protracted listing of diamonds within the tough like Craig Porter Jr., Hunter Tyson, Toumani Camara, and Enrique Freeman.
Sometimes, round 10 PIT contributors earn invitations to the G League Elite Camp in Chicago, simply days earlier than the NBA Draft Mix. Robust performances there can propel gamers onto the primary stage—the Mix itself—and into draft conversations.
The 71st annual Portsmouth Invitational Match (PIT) had no scarcity of proficient gamers. Former NBA participant Raymond Felton’s cousin, RJ Felton out of East Carolina emerged as one of many event’s most dynamic guards, enjoying with a relentless edge and elite athleticism. His late addition (changing an injured Augustas Marčiulionis) grew to become a serious storyline, as his athleticism, three-point taking pictures, rim assaults and transition playmaking made him a nightmare for defenders. On the inside, Kadin Shedrick and Jonas Aidoo dominated with their dimension, mobility, and defensive presence, whereas Nelly Junior Joseph and Viktor Lahkin showcased the form of versatility and physicality that NBA groups covet in trendy bigs. In the meantime, versatile forwards like Jonathan Pierre and Julian Reese flashed two-way potential, and guards like Tamar Bates and Chris Youngblood introduced scoring punch and defensive tenacity.
HoopsHype was on the bottom all week in Portsmouth, Virginia, at Churchland Excessive College, scouting prospects and gathering intel from coaches and scouts in attendance. Under, we break down the highest performers who boosted their inventory in Portsmouth.
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RJ Felton was a standout guard on the PIT who impressed together with his elite athleticism and aggressive spirit. Standing 6’3.5 with a close to 6-10 wingspan, Felton performs with a chip on his shoulder, excelling at each ends of the ground. His skill to assault the rim with authority and his clean transition recreation make him a troublesome matchup for defenders. Felton arguably grew to become probably the greatest guards at PIT, showcasing his deep taking pictures vary, playmaking skill and high-energy type. If he continues to carry out at this degree through the G League Elite Camp, Felton may earn an invitation to the NBA Mix.
R.J. Felton averaged 25.7 minutes, 21.7 factors, 5 rebounds, 1 help, 1.3 steals, 0 blocks, 65.0% FG, 58.8% 3P, and 75.0% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Mark Zelaski – Syndication: The Tennessean
Kadin Shedrick stood out as one of many prime massive males at PIT, showcasing his dimension, mobility, and defensive presence. At 7-5 with a powerful wingspan, Shedrick’s skill to guard the rim and dominate the glass makes him an intriguing NBA prospect. His rebounding and shot-blocking have been main belongings, and he confirmed promise as a dependable shooter from past the arc. Shedrick’s mixture of dimension and talent makes him one of many prime frontcourt gamers on the occasion, and it’s anticipated he’ll be invited to the G Elite Camp in Chicago subsequent month.
Kadin Shedrick averaged 27.3 minutes, 11.7 factors, 10 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.7 blocks, 65.2% FG, 0% 3P, and 62.5% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Syndication: Akron Beacon Journal
Nelly Junior Joseph introduced his spectacular physicality and flexibility to PIT, the place he dominated in each the paint, the glass on each ends and the defensive finish. Standing 6-10 with a 7-2 wingspan, Joseph his presence felt on protection as he makes use of his size properly to play drop and athletic sufficient to modify with fours and fives. Joseph bullies smaller bigs within the put up and has the footwork to counter doubles. His passing out of the block is sneaky-good, he throws an amazing one-handed bounce move. His all-around recreation and basketball IQ make him one of many prime frontcourt prospects on the occasion. Joseph must also be in line for a G Elite Camp invite.
Nelly Junior Joseph averaged 27.7 minutes, 17.3 factors, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 1 blocks, 67.9% FG, 0% 3P, and 77.8% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Eakin Howard-Imagn Photographs
Jonas Aidoo was one other standout massive man at PIT, impressing together with his athleticism and talent to run the ground. Standing at practically 7-foot with a 7-5 wingspan, Aidoo’s rim safety and rebounding have been key parts of his recreation. His lengthy stride and talent to complete on the rim stood out, particularly in pick-and-roll conditions. Aidoo’s skill to stretch the ground together with his taking pictures provides one other layer to his recreation. He additionally vast sufficient when screening that defenders should go round or swap. His efficiency at PIT solidified him as one of many prime bigs there, and will get additional publicity with a the G Elite Camp invite.
Jonas Aidoo averaged 25.0 minutes, 6 factors, 4 rebounds, 1 help, 1 steal, 1 block, 66.7% FG, 0% 3P, and 0% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Viktor Lahkin was one other intriguing frontcourt prospect, utilizing his 7-foot body and large wingspan to affect the sport on each ends. Though he might not have the identical elite athleticism as among the different bigs, Lahkin used his dimension successfully within the put up and to seize boards. Lahkin’s not flashy, however he’s received old-school put up strikes and sees the ground like a degree guard. Will move out the low block or run DHOs from the elbow. His lack of burst hurts defensively, however in a drop protection system? Lahkin’s stable efficiency at PIT might have boosted his inventory as a possible two-way contract. Regardless if he’s in Chicago anticipate to see him on a Summer season League crew as a result of you possibly can’t educate dimension.
Viktor Lakhin averaged 26.5 minutes, 16.5 factors, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1.5 blocks, 71.4% FG, 60.0% 3P, and 0% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Stephen Brashear-Imagn Photographs
Julian Reese additionally turned heads at PIT, Angel Reese’s brother put collectively some sturdy performances as a switchable massive. Reese, at 6’10 with a 7’1 wingspan displayed the power to protect a number of positions and be a weakside rim protector. He can contribute as a low-usage scorer and stable rebounder that will get in place properly. His work on the glass and rim working stood out, as he made a noticeable affect on each ends of the ground. He could be the most important 5 however he units stable screens that his vast body makes defenders have swap or go over/below. Reese’s versatility as a non-shooting swap massive who is aware of the best way to vertically house the ground, doesn’t do an excessive amount of and defensive upside make him one of many extra intriguing bigs at PIT, and he’s anticipated to be on NBA radars transferring ahead.
Julian Reese averaged 30.0 minutes, 13.3 factors, 10.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.3 blocks, 45.5% FG, 0% 3P, and 83.3% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Syndication: The Tennessean
Jonathan Pierre is a flexible 6-8 ahead with a close to 7-1 wingspan who impressed together with his skill to house the ground and contribute defensively. Pierre’s clean taking pictures stroke and talent to defend a number of positions make him a stable position participant within the making. Must tighten his deal with, however he confirmed flashes of his skill to drive (off dribble penetration) and create offense in transition. Pierre’s bodily instruments and two-way potential make him an intriguing prospect who may see an increase in his draft inventory.
Jonathan Pierre averaged 25.5 minutes, 10 factors, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.5 blocks, 44% FG, 21.4% 3P, and 80.0% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
- Katie Stratman-Imagn Photographs
David N’Guessan was a participant who made essentially the most of his alternatives at PIT, hitting key pictures and enjoying stable protection. At 6’9″, N’Guessan used his size and athleticism to be a flexible defender and a dependable rebounder. His taking pictures stroke was additionally a pleasing shock, making him an attention-grabbing prospect as a contemporary ahead who can stretch the ground. He had a number of dominant video games of crashing the glass together with his athleticism and size giving him a bonus. N’Guessan’s consistency and flexibility may make him a worthwhile position participant on the subsequent degree.
David N’Guessan averaged 25.0 minutes, 9.5 factors, 9.5 rebounds, 1 help, 1 block, 68.8% FG, 30% 3P, and 100% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Steven Branscombe-Imagn Photographs
Jahmyl Telfort is constructed like a linebacker and guards like one too. Bodily, switchable, and lives for contact. With a 7-foot wingspan, Telfort used his size to have an effect on pictures and seize boards. Offensively, he showcased his skill to assault the rim and get to the free-throw line, utilizing his athleticism and drive to strain defenses. His jumper appeared good and he confirmed no drawback spacing the ground off the ball. Telfort’s powerful mentality and talent to compete on each ends make him an intriguing prospect with a variety of upside, particularly as a defensive-minded participant. He ought to obtain an invitation to Chicago after his PIT performances.
Jahmyl Telfort averaged 19 minutes, 13 factors, 3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1 steal, 53.3% FG, 33.3% 3P, and 60.0% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Steve Roberts-Imagn Photographs
Tamar Bates made his presence felt at PIT together with his high-energy play and scoring skill. Bates shoots with ice in his veins and competes defensively. He appeared to protect one by means of three with no drawback as he constructed with lengthy arms. He confirmed the power to be a secondary facilitator as he would kickstart fastbreaks after which hit the open man in transition. A big two-guard or swingman with a aggressive edge, he confirmed how energetic on each ends of the ground. His skill to affect the sport from deep as a shooter and in transition makes him an intriguing prospect. Bates’ swagger and talent to compete at a excessive degree will assist him get extra alternatives transferring ahead.
Tamar Bates averaged 31.3 minutes, 16.3 factors, 4.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 57.6% FG, 46.2% 3P, and 100% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean
Chris Youngblood was a gentle presence for his crew, providing each scoring and protection all through the PIT. A 6-4 guard, Youngblood performed with a nonstop motor, impressing together with his skill to defend a number of positions and house the ground on offense. His stocky body, toughness and basketball IQ enable him to make good choices on each ends, and his skill to protect each guard spots on the subsequent degree is a pleasant contact. Not a main shot creator, may stick as a reserve position participant who is aware of his job.
Chris Youngblood averaged 25.3 minutes, 11 factors, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 0.7 steals, 46.2% FG, 31.6% 3P, and 100% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs
Nolan Hickman was a stable ground basic at PIT, identified for his skill to attain inside and create alternatives for teammates. A sensible and regular presence on the ground, Hickman displayed the abilities wanted to handle an offense whereas additionally competing on the defensive finish. Nonetheless, his shot wouldn’t fall however I believe his willingness to compete whereas doing the little issues proven by means of. As a possible backup level guard, his skill to steer a crew and maintain issues below management however being a restricted athlete don’t anticipate greater than a backup position.
Nolan Hickman averaged 23.0 minutes, 6 factors, 2.7 rebounds, 3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks, 29.2% FG, 16.7% 3P, and 100% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
John Fisher/Getty Photographs
CJ Huntley confirmed off his rebounding and inside presence at PIT. His 7-4 wingspan permits him to compete on each ends, particularly on the subject of rim safety and cleansing up the boards. Huntley’s all arms and power – alters pictures, gobbles rebounds, and reveals flashes of a three-ball. Uncooked however intriguing as a developmental stretch-big mission. His bodily instruments and hustle make him a participant to regulate transferring ahead.
C.J. Huntley averaged 22.5 minutes, 11.5 factors, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1 block, 61.5% FG, 37.5% 3P, and 50.0% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean
Igor Milicic Jr. had an up-and-down efficiency at PIT, however his potential on the defensive finish stood out. At 6-9, Milicic confirmed the power to protect a number of positions, although his offense wasn’t at all times clicking. His size and defensive instincts make him an intriguing long-term prospect. Milicic strikes his toes like a guard defensively however shoots like a middle. The offense might by no means come, however that defensive versatility is price a two-way contract flier.
Igor Milicic Jr. averaged 24 minutes, 9.3 factors, 3 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 2 blocks, 34.6% FG, 16.7% 3P, and 88.9% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
Benny Sieu-Imagn Photographs
Andrew Carr is an intriguing ahead who combines dimension and flexibility at 6-10. At PIT, he confirmed flashes of his skill to protect totally different positions and contribute on offense, although his taking pictures struggled at instances. Carr’s skill to play each the ‘three’ and ‘4’ spots may make him a helpful piece on the subsequent degree, and his potential as a defensive-minded ahead is price monitoring. Query is he extra Dean Wade or Quinten Submit. Carr’s a tweener ahead who guards a number of positions however struggles to attain. If the shot comes round, he’s a helpful 3-and-D piece. If not, he’s overseas-bound.
Andrew Carr averaged 23 minutes, 9 factors, 4.6 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.3 steals, blocks, 34.4% FG, 23.1% 3P, and 100% FT through the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Match.
You’ll be able to observe Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo) on X, previously generally known as Twitter, or Blue Sky.
