Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Player Preview

Every year, the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) brings together 64 of the top seniors in the country for a 4-day tournament in front of a gym full of professional scouts from the NBA, D-League, and around the world. Though NBA success stories are still there from the PIT, 8 players from last year’s tournament have played in the league this season, most still have to take a long road to there, often going undrafted and battling for roster spots through Summer League, training camp, and playing overseas or in the D-League. The games themselves aren’t always a great place to evaluate talent, as they are often guard-dominant, and many players are there thinking of making a name for themselves ahead of everything else.

Over the next day, I will look at all 64 players in this year’s tournament, with a quick breakdown of the skills and abilities which got them invites. Each part consists of 16 players, and will be done in alphabetic order.

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Here’s a look at the last set of 16 players:

[Click for Part I, Part II, Part III]

Rayvonte Rice, 6’4,230, Illinois, Guard– Rice is coming off his best all-around college season, showing improvements in many key areas. Rice did a much better job with his shot selection this year, especially from long-range, and he increased his three-point shooting percentage from 29 percent to almost 44 percent. He is very good at using screens to create room for his jumper, or to attack the basket. Rice is solidly built and he uses his body well to force his way to the rim where he is a good finisher. Rice can be very good in transition, having the ability to push the ball himself or running one of the wings where he can spot up for an open jumper. Rice isn’t a great defender, though when he puts in the effort, he can hold his own, even against quicker guards. He rebounds well for his size, and he has no qualms about battling bigger players for missed shots.

Wesley Saunders, 6’5, 215, Harvard, Guard – Saunders is coming off his third season being named First Team All-Ivy League, and finished his year with a big game in the NCAA Tournament against North Carolina. Most of Saunders’ offense comes inside the arc, though he showed improvement from long-range this year, hitting 42 percent of his 74 attempts. He likes to create scoring chances off the dribble, whether attacking the basket or pulling up for the mid-range jumper. Saunders does a good job getting into the defense, using his body well to get into the lane, and drawing contact. While not a high-level athlete, he plays hard on both ends of the floor, and his versatility on defense allows his team to show different looks. Saunders is a tough defender, with very good awareness and anticipation off the ball. He rebounds well for his position, and he has the potential to fit in many offensive and defensive schemes.

Matt Stainbrook, 6’10, 263, Xavier, Center– At first glance, Stainbrook doesn’t look like he’d be much of a basketball player, other than his size, but he was probably one of the best big men in college basketball this year. He uses his body well to establish position in the post, and his footwork and touch are very good. Stainbrook’s moves aren’t very quick, but they are effective, and his ability to go well over either shoulder can make him tough to defend. Stainbrook has also shown some ability to step out and hit the mid-range jumper, though he didn’t do it often. Often overlooked is Stainbrook’s ability to set solid screens on the perimeter, and though he isn’t effective as a “roll” man in the pick-and-roll, he does a good job freeing his teammate. Defensively, Stainbrook can have trouble with quicker post players, but he does a good job when matched up against another physical player. He doesn’t have the quickness to defend well in pick-and-roll situation, but he doesn’t get himself caught in bad situations often. Stainbrook’s not much a of a rim protector, but he will do as much as he can to try and make shots tough, even if he can’t block them.

TaShawn Thomas, 6’8, 240, Oklahoma, Forward – After three productive seasons in Houston, Thomas opted to play his senior year in the Big 12 for the Sooners, and though his numbers weren’t what he had previously, his toughness around the basket gave them an element they were missing. Thomas is a big-bodied player in the classic power forward mold, though his athletic ability is a pleasant surprise. His offense is at its best when he looks to either post up or cut to the basket off of penetration. Thomas is a problem on the offensive boards, and if he gets a second shot opportunity, he usually converts it. He has some ability in the mid-range game, though he will need to become more consistent at the next level. Defensively, Thomas can hold his own in the post, even against bigger players, but he has some trouble containing when he gets drawn out to the perimeter. As on the offensive end, Thomas is a very good rebounder on the defensive glass, using a good combination of power and skill to outhustle others to missed shots. Of the players at Portsmouth, Thomas is one of the few I could see in the NBA in the near future.

Marcus Thornton, 6’8, 235, Georgia, Forward– Thornton is another big-bodied, though undersized, post player, a type who often makes it to Portsmouth. He put together his best season as a 5^th year senior for the Bulldogs, including a strong effort against Kentucky’s pro frontcourt. Thornton uses his strong body well to establish position in the post, and though he doesn’t have great footwork, he just looks to power his way to the basket. He does a good job drawing contact around the basket, and though he can have some trouble scoring against longer defenders, he has gradually found ways to use his body to counteract them. Thornton is very good in the pick-and-roll, setting solid screens, and opening up to the ball well. He doesn’t take many shots way from the lane area, and he doesn’t look comfortable at all if forced to shoot a jumper. Thornton is an average defender, though he is used to guarding bigger players in the post area. He is better guarding in the post than on the perimeter, though he has improved this season. Thornton rebounds well, though he has to be more consistent about always going strong after missed shots.

Marcus Thornton, 6’4, 185, William & Mary, Guard– Thornton was among the top scorers in the country the past two seasons, and if a game is on the line, he is a guy who wants the ball in his hands. Thornton can score in a variety of ways, though he can be tough to stop off the dribble. He is a good long-range shooter, though shot selection can be an issues, and his release his extremely quick. Thornton is very good using screens, especially when looking to get to the rim, though he can do a better job finding open teammates when he draws defenders. Defensively, Thornton is above-average, though he takes a lot of unnecessary chances. He moves his feet well and can contain, though he has a tendency to wander when off the ball.

Jabril Trawick, 6’5, 220, Georgetown, Guard– Trawick never got a lot of recognition while playing for the Hoyas, but he gave them a solid player on both ends of the floor over the past few years. This past season, Trawick showed he can be a very good perimeter shooter, especially from long-range, where he hit almost 41 percent on the year. His ability to hit from the outside also allowed him to draw defenders out, giving him a chance to beat them with a quick cut to the rim, where he used his athleticism to finish in some big ways. Like many Georgetown players under John Thompson III, Trawick has developed a very strong court sense and passing ability. He is also very good in transition, making good lines to the basket and converting quickly. On defense, Trawick was under-recognized, but his combination of length and skill made him one of, if not the best Hoya defender.

Dan Trist, 6’9, 234, Lafayette, Forward– Trist is a skilled offensive player, able to play inside and outside equally well. He is a strong post scorer, able to go over either shoulder, while showing steady footwork. Trist is a good option in pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop scenarios, and he has shown to be a very good mid-range shooter. While skilled, he isn’t very strong, and he can have some trouble scoring against big defenders around the basket, even though he is 6’9 himself. Trist has played as an undersized center, and even in the Patriot League, he had some trouble defending on the blocks. He can be a good rebounder, though his energy can be inconsistent, and he will sometimes wait for missed shots to drop to him instead of going after them.

Ralston Turner, 6’5, 205, North Carolina State, Guard– Turner has been a solid long-range threat for the Wolfpack the past two seasons after transferring from LSU. Almost 90 percent of his offense has come from jumpers, though he has shown a good ability to hit his shots off the catch or dribble. Turner has NBA range from behind the arc, and while his shot selection isn’t always a great, he is a threat that teams need to account for. Defensively, Turner is below average, not having the footwork to defend well on the perimeter, and not having the quickness to close well on shooters.

Seth Tuttle, 6’8, 240, Northern Iowa, Forward– Tuttle has been one of the best all-around players in college basketball the past two seasons, and he was rewarded this year by being named to many All-American teams. Though undersized, Tuttle is a strong low post player, able to go over either shoulder and shows nice touch around the basket. He is a good option in pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop scenarios, and he has also shown that he can step out behind the arc and knock down the three. Tuttle has great court sense and can be a good passer from the post or the perimeter. Defensively, Tuttle plays hard and has shown some versatility. He has great technique as a rebounder, and though not a shot blocker, he does a good job challenging shots. Tuttle has the versatility to play multiple roles at the next level, and he should impress at Portsmouth.

Corey Walden, 6’2, 206, Eastern Kentucky, Guard– Walden finished up a very good college career by leading Eastern Kentucky to 21 wins while averaging almost 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, as well as leading the nation in steals at 3.1. Walden has solidly built with good strength and speed. He loves to pressure the ball on defense, looking to create turnovers and getting easy points on the other end. Walden plays passing lanes well, and his anticipation is as good as anyone other than possibly Briante Weber. Walden is a good scorer off the dribble, and he has improved his ability to find teammates quickly in pick-and-roll situations. He doesn’t shy away from contact, and he had 6 games where he went to the line 10 or more times. Walden isn’t a great long-range shooter, but he did hit 36 percent on the season.

Brad Waldow, 6’9, 260. St. Mary’s, Forward– Waldow has been one of college basketball’s best big men over the past couple of seasons. He is a skilled offensive post player, with a wide body and above-average footwork. He uses his body to establish position in the post, and seals his defender well. While he prefers the left block to the right, he is capable of setting up on either, and making a move over either shoulder. There is nothing quick, or fancy, about his post moves, but he minimizes his ballhandling and has shown nice touch out to eight feet. Waldow can have some trouble is when confronted with length around the basket, but he is capable of using his bulk to create some space. Waldow is a good offensive rebounder, and though not very athletic, he tracks the ball well and uses his body to establish position. Waldow is not as skilled on the defensive end, and though he uses his body well to defend the post, his footwork is below average, and a bit slow. He has trouble with longer and/or quicker offensive players, as he doesn’t seem to react quickly to shot attempts. Also, Waldow can be slow to get out to the perimeter, whether looking to close on a shooter, or defending in the pick-and-roll. Waldow is a tough defensive rebounder, boxing out well and using his lower body to keep opponents on his back.

Maurice Walker, 6’10, 250, Minnesota, Forward– Walker has developed into a nice post player for the Gophers over the past couple of seasons, showing increased mobility and skill around the basket. At 6’10 and 250 pounds, Walker has good size, though he needs to be tougher in the low post. He doesn’t have many quick post moves, but he uses a couple of dribbles well to get to the basket, where he can finish strong. Walker made more of a mark on the defensive end where he developed into a decent rim protector and rebounder. He defends the post well, and his footwork has come along well over the past couple of seasons. He uses his length well to deny passes into the post, and though not quick to help, he can extend well to block shots.

Julian Washburn, 6’8, 210, Texas-El Paso, Forward – Washburn is a versatile small forward, able to score of the dribble, or knock down mid- and long-range jumpers. While he doesn’t have great speed or exceptional size, he is skilled and has a good understanding of how to exploit a defense. Washburn’s real strength is on defense, where he is able to guard multiple positions, and is able to guard the perimeter well for his size. The Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, Washburn doesn’t get a lot of steals or blocks, but he makes things very tough for whoever he is defending. Washburn uses his length well to challenge shots on the perimeter or deny passing lanes, and he has excellent footwork for his size.

Amir Williams, 6’11, 250, Ohio State, Center – Williams has very good size, but his impact has been minimal for the Buckeyes over the past four seasons, especially on offense, where he had less than 400 shots for his whole career. Williams’ offense would mostly come off of offensive rebounds or cuts to the basket off of guard penetration. Williams does have some value on defense, especially with his ability to alter or block shots, but he often had foul trouble, and the Buckeyes would often go with a smaller lineup for long stretches. Williams is still intriguing because of his size, but it may be a lot to expect his skill to develop a lot at this stage.

Jarvis Williams, 6’8, 210, Murray State, Forward– Williams made an immediate impact for the Racers after transferring from junior college two years ago. Though undersized, Williams was an effective post player for the Racers, using his length and athletic ability to make quick moves around the basket. He is very good at running the floor in transition, and he can be one of the most enjoyable finishers to watch in college basketball. Williams can be a problem for opponents on the offensive glass, outhustling and outmuscling players for missed shots. He doesn’t have much of an offensive game outside of the lane area, and he didn’t attempt many jumpers on the season. Defensively, Williams did the best he could guarding the post, sometimes against players with height and weight advantages. His awareness has improved as a help defender, and he is a capable rim protector for his size. A good combination of speed, strength, and some skill, Williams will be a solid role player wherever he plays next.

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Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Player Preview – Part IV

By Ed Isaacson | Apr 9, 2015

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