Portsmouth Invitational Tournament 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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Darion Atkins, 6’8, 234, Virginia, Forward – Atkins moved into the starting lineup this year for a Cavaliers’ team which won 30 games and was among the best teams in the nation. Atkins is much like a classic power forward, using his body well to clear space on offense and defend on defense. Most of his offense comes from posting up or off of offensive rebounds, though he isn’t a tremendously efficient scorer around the basket. Atkins is a very good screener, and though not used in the role option, he is a good scorer as a “roll” man in the pick-and-roll. Defensively, Atkins is tough as a defender in the post or on the perimeter, and like many of his teammates, he has good awareness and is a good help defender. Atkins isn’t very athletic, but he stays within his comfort zone. He rebounds well on both ends of the floor and he uses his lower body well to clear out space to get the missed shot.

JJ Avila, 6’7, 246, Colorado State, Forward – Avila, one of the Mountain West’s best players the past two seasons since transferring from Navy, is a big-bodied forward who is an efficient scorer around the basket, and a tough rebounder on both ends of the floor. He is also a skilled passer, and a tough, versatile defender who relies on playing physical and wearing down opponents.

Askia Booker, 6’2, 175, Colorado, Guard– With Spencer Dinwiddie off to the NBA, Booker did a good job trying to step up his offense for a Colorado team which really needed it. Quick and a good ballhandler, Booker loves to get out and push the ball in the open floor, where his speed allows him to get easy baskets in transition. He could be a better shooter than his numbers say (39 FG%, 33 3FG%), but his shot selection needs a lot of work. Booker has shown flashes of being a good distributor, though he needs to work on improving making reads in the pick-and-roll, and not making his shot the first option.

Julius Brown, 5’10, 170, Toledo, Guard– Though he doesn’t have great size, Brown has found ways to score from almost any spot on the floor. Brown has become a better long-range shooter over the past couple of years, hitting 40 percent from behind the arc this season. Though he took on a bigger scoring role this season, he averaged 6 assists per game in his sophomore and junior years, and he has a nice ability to find shooters when dribbling off screens, or hitting post players with solid, and sometimes creative, entry passes.

Mike Caffey, 6’0, 175, Long Beach State, Guard – Another in a tournament filled with small, quick point guards, Caffey is a creative guard off the dribble, though a bit wild at times. Like many guards who need to take on a big scoring role, his shot selection was spotty at times, but he uses his dribble well to create space for his jumper, and though he can have some trouble getting to the basket, he has a solid mid-range jumper and floater around the basket. Defensively, Caffey has good instincts and he uses his speed well on and off the ball.

Darius Carter, 6’7, 245, Wichita State, Forward– Carter, in his second season as a Shocker after transferring from junior college, made a big impact for the team in the post, though undersized at just 6’7. Carter uses his body well on both ends of the floor, and when getting the ball around the basket, he has the strength to shoot through contact, plus he showed some improving, and surprising, touch around the rim. He is a decent ballhandler and also showed the ability to face up and drive to the rim out of the low post, as well as having a nice knack for filling space around the basket quickly off of penetration. Carter doesn’t have much of an offensive game away from the basket, though he did manage to hit 4 out of 7 three-point shots this past season.

Kenny Chery, 5’11, 180, Baylor, Guard – Chery is coming a solid season running the point for the Bears, showing an increased ability to hit from long-range, while leading the team’s effort on defense. Though he hit just 38 percent of shots from behind the arc, Chery showed a nice ability to create space off the dribble, which he needs at just 5’11, as well as range out to 22 or 23 feet. While not a great creator for others off the dribble, he has good vision and knows how to hit teammates in good spots for them to score. Chery’s size gives him problems scoring within the arc, but his speed allows him to get easy baskets in transition when given the opportunity. Chery can pressure the ball well on defense, showing the ability to pick up his man full court if needed, and his awareness and activity allows him to always be in a position to make some kind of play, whether it is helping around the lane, or getting to long rebounds quickly.

Michael Cobbins, 6’8, 230, Oklahoma State, Forward – Cobbins bounced back well from an Achilles injury which ended his junior year in December, 2013. Though never a major offensive option as a Cowboy, Cobbins is an efficient scorer around the basket, and will look to finish with a powerful dunk whenever possible. Cobbins’ real role came on the defensive end where he would often be given the task of guarding the opposing team’s biggest player, and though just 6’8, he would rarely back down. He is a good help defender around the basket, and he averaged almost 2 blocks per game this past season. Cobbins’ lack of size against bigger players, along with his aggressiveness, often lead to foul trouble, but the Cowboys defense always seemed sturdier with him on the floor. Cobbins is a decent defensive rebounder for his size, though he does need to work on getting to the ball quicker.

Karl Cochran, 6’1, 175, Wofford, Guard – Cochran was a consistent contributor for Wofford over the past four seasons, and key part of why the team has made back-to-back NCAA appearances. He is a versatile perimeter scorer, though the majority of his offense comes from behind the arc, where he hit 98 of his 268 attempts (36.6%.) Cochran likes to come off screens, whether it is to create space for his jumper, or to accelerate and look to get into the defense. Though the assist totals aren’t big (2.7 per game), Cochran has good vision and is a smart passer. He is a tough defender, both on and off the ball, and he has great rebounding instincts, especially for his size.

Brett Comer, 6’3, 192, Florida Gulf Coast, Guard– The leader of Dunk City, Comer burst onto the national scene during the Eagles’ Sweet Sixteen run a few years back. He has good speed and ballhandling abilities, and can be a terror in the open floor. Comer was number two nationally in assist rate this past season at 46.8, and though not a very good halfcourt scorer, he gets to rim as well as anyone in transition. Comer has become a slightly better shooter over the past two seasons, especially from long-range, though he isn’t a great threat. He makes good reads, and passes, in pick-and-roll situations, though he isn’t himself a very good scorer coming off of screens. Defensively, Comer could be a bit unorthodox in his approach at times, but he has a knack for making plays; he just needs to watch risking too much and staying focused.

Pat Connaughton, 6’5, 214, Notre Dame, Guard– Connaughton is coming off a terrific senior season where he helped lead Notre Dame to the Elite Eight, and established himself as a dangerous long-range shooter. Connaughton hit 93 threes this past season, at over 42 percent, while also showing a solid mid-range game. He moves very well without the ball, and he does a great job coming off screens ready to shoot quickly. Connaughton is a terrific rebounder for his size, having no trouble battling against bigger players for the ball (see Kentucky game). Though not a very good defender, he works hard and can hold his own against quicker players. A minor league pitching prospect in the Baltimore Orioles’ system, Connaughton’s play for the Irish this year also has him a legitimate basketball prospect.

Will Cummings, 6’2, 185, Temple, Guard – After a breakout junior season, Cummings had a down year in some respects, but was also the key to Temple just missing out on the NCAA Tournament and making it to the NIT semifinals. Cummings is at his best when he is looking to get into the defense to get to the rim or find an open teammate. Though he isn’t a great finisher around the basket, he draws fouls at a very good rate, and he’s a good enough free throw shooter to turn them into points. Cummings generally makes good decisions with the ball, and his vision and passing have continued to improve. He isn’t much of a perimeter shooter, including a depressing 23 percent from behind the arc this season. Cummings is a good defender, using his quick hands and feet well, and showing great instincts.

Bryce Dejean-Jones, 6’5, 210, Iowa State, Guard – Dejean-Jones had his best college season as a senior transfer for Fred Hoiberg. At prior stops at USC and UNLV, Dejean-Jones was a high volume-low percentage shooter, often hoisting shots just because the offense had zero structure. Moving to a role player, Hoiberg got him to focus on being a spot-up threat from the wing, where he could knock down jumpers or attack the basket. Dejean-Jones still isn’t a very good long-range threat, though it has more to do with shot selection rather than mechanics. He has some ability to create shots for others off the dribble, and though not a great passer, he sees the floor fairly well. Dejean-Jones has never been a great defender, but he showed a little more effort this year, though the team as a whole wasn’t very good.

Ousmane Drame, 6’9, 225, Quinnipiac, Forward – Drame is a long, athletic forward who has shown some versatility on offense and defense. Though Drame has played a lot as a low post player, he has not only improved his moves there, he has also shown some ability to face-up as well as knock down mid-range jumpers. Drame has a great knack for hitting the glass on both ends of the floor, and he was one of the few players to average a double-double this past season (14.8 pts, 11.1 rebs.) He draws a good deal of contact when he gets the ball around the basket, and he has a great stroke at the free throw line, hitting over 80 percent of his 160 attempts. Defensively, Drame was among the best shot blockers in the country, showing the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly, as well as good timing and extension. He does need to show some improvement as a post and perimeter defender, but his length is disruptive, and he has the footwork to improve.

Traveon Graham, 6’6, 220, Virginia Commonwealth, Forward – The Rams’ leading scorer and rebounder over the past three seasons, Graham has used a combination of skill and strength to give his team a solid halfcourt scoring option when they weren’t scoring easy baskets caused by HAVOC. Graham uses his body well to create space and score around the basket, and he has continued to improve his shooting ability from mid- and long-range. Graham is very active on the offensive glass, and though he doesn’t have great size, he has limited problems scoring through length because of how well he uses his body with little fear of contact. Graham is versatile defensively, filling different roles in Shaka Smart’s pressure-trapping system, though he isn’t as good a defender in the halfcourt, especially when forced out to the perimeter.

Kendall Gray, 6’10, 240, Delaware State, Center – Gray had a very good season for the Hornets, averaging a double-double (11.7 pts, 11.8 rebs) including a surreal 33 point, 30 rebound performance against Coppin State in early March. Yes, he didn’t face great competition in the MEAC, but his size and athleticism could have played well in many conferences. Gray doesn’t have a great offensive skill set, but he has improved his mid-range shooting ability, and he has a great finisher on lobs around the basket. He is very good on the offensive glass, often beating opponents easily to missed shots and getting good second chance opportunities. Gray runs the floor well for his size and has the potential to be a good finisher in transition. Defensively, Gray needs to get stronger to defend the post, but his length is disruptive, and he was among the top shot blockers in the country. There is still a lot of untapped potential with Gray, and with some skill development, he could become a very good player at the next level.

KT Harrell, 6’4, 212, Auburn, Guard– Harrell was among the top three-point shooters in the country this season, hitting 98 from behind the arc, good for 43 percent. When he has time to get his feet set, it is surprising if the misses, but he is also very good at hitting both long-range and mid-range jumpers off the dribble. Harrell is an average ballhandler, but he does a good job looking to get to the basket, and he has the body that he can take some contact around the basket and still get a shot off, or get to the free throw line, where he is over an 80 percent shooter. Harrell is an average defender, but he is fundamentally sound, and with some work should be a bit better.

D’Angelo Harrison, 6’4, 2014, St. John’s, Guard – Harrison has been a consistent scoring threat for the Red Storm for the past four seasons, averaging between 17 and 18 points per game each season. Harrison relies on jumpers, both mid-range and long-range, for almost all of his scoring, and though shot selection has been a perpetual issue during his college career, he did show some improvement this past season. He is not a consistent long-range shooter, though he has shown the ability to hit from long-range off the catch or dribble. Harrison is a decent ballhandler and he has the ability to draw defenders and find open teammates, though more often than not, he is looking for his own shot. He’s a reliable free throw shooter, and he does a good job getting to the line, even if he doesn’t attack the basket often. Defensively, Harrison is inconsistent, but he has the tools to be a good defender at the next level. He has tendency to lose focus at times, though when locked in, he can be very good at containing on the perimeter.

Ryan Harrow, 6’2, 160, Georgia State, Guard– Harrow, who had previous stops at North Carolina State and Kentucky, found a good match for his abilities when he transferred to Georgia State. Harrow was the second leading scorer in the Sun Belt Conference this season, behind teammate R.J. Hunter, and he did it in a versatile way. Harrow posted his best three-point shooting season this past year, hitting almost 40 percent from behind the arc, but he is still at his best looking to get out in transition and scoring on the break. He relies on jumpers in the halfcourt, and his free throw totals are absurdly low compared to his field goal attempts (99 free throws/413 field goal attempts.) Harrow has always been more of a scorer than a distributor, but he did have a nice synergy with teammate Hunter, often finding him off of the dribble. He is an average defender, though he can be very good when looking to pressure the ball, using his quickness to force turnovers, or getting in help position to take swipe at a passing driver.

Pierria Henry, 6’5, 197, Charlotte, Guard– Henry has good size for the point guard position, using his size well to look and get to the basket, or to find good looks in the mid-range area. Henry is a skilled ballhandler, though he can be a bit sloppy, and he has a good first step when looking to get by his defender. Henry isn’t much of a shooter, hitting just 28 percent of his threes over his college career, so defenders can sag off him if they feel he can beat them to the rim. Henry has good vision and is a good passer, though he can try and force the ball into tight spots. He can create well off the dribble for his teammates, especially coming off of screens, and his size allows him to see over many defenders. Henry rebounds well for his position, giving his team good support on the defensive boards when needed. He takes a lot of chances on defense, though they often pay off, and he was in the Top 10 in the NCAA in steals per game this season with 2.4.

LeDontae Henton, 6’6, 215, Providence, Forward– Henton was the Big East’s leading scorer this year at almost 20 points per game, and he finished the season being named First Team All-Big East. He is a versatile scorer, able to score at all three levels, and good in transition and halfcourt offenses. Henton is a high volume shooter, and when he relies on jumpers, he can be very streaky, which shows in his inconsistent shooting percentages through each season, especially from long-range. Henton is a good athlete who runs the floor well and can be a good finisher on the break. Henton was a better rebounder earlier in his career, though took on more of a scorer’s role this past season, and his rebounding numbers dropped. Defensively, Henton is average, but inconsistent. He has good awareness and defends well off the ball, but he can have lapses when guarding the ball.

Jelani Hewitt,6’2, 185, Georgia Southern, Guard – Hewitt is a quick guard, though he relies on shooting jumpers more on offense than looking to get to the basket. He is a high volume-low percentage shooter, especially from long-range where he hit just 33 percent of his 266 attempts. He was an almost 40 percent shooter from behind the arc as a sophomore, but has seen his percentage decline both junior and senior seasons. Hewitt uses his speed well to get to the basket in transition, but he has some trouble against longer defenders around the rim. Hewitt has improved his vision and ability to make reads and passes, but he still often looks for his scoring opportunity first. Hewitt can be very tough on the defensive end, and he was among the top ten in the country in steals. He has quick hands and feet, and he sizes up steal opportunities very well.

Darrun Hilliard, 6’6, 215, Villanova, Guard – Hilliard has good size for the shooting guard position, and he is developed into a strong outside shooter, knocking down about 40 percent of his three-point attempts over the last two seasons. He moves well without the ball, gets to open spots quickly with his body square and ready to shoot. Hilliard is also capable of knocking down mid-range jumper consistently, often using a solid shot fake to draw the defender out and using a dribble or two for some space. He doesn’t look to attack the basket often, but when he does, he uses his size well to create shot opportunities around the basket. Hilliard is smart when he gets the ball in his hands, showing good shot selection, and making good, strong passes when looking for a teammate. He has improved each year on the defensive end, using his length well to disrupt passing lanes and close on shooters. Though he needs to work on his defensive movements, he understands how to force players towards help defenders and how to use angles to cut the ball off.

Nimrod Hilliard, 6’0, 155, North Carolina Central, Guard– Hilliard, who played at four schools in four seasons, made the most of his one season for the Eagles, giving them a strong presence at the point guard position. Hilliard is small and quick, and he uses his speed well to break down defenses and create openings for teammates, who he often hits with very good passes, though he does have a tendency to force some action. Unlike many smaller guards, Hilliard likes to attack the basket, and he had some success getting to the rim. Hilliard made it tough for defenders to sag off him to counter his speed, by knocking down 42 percent of his three-point attempts this season. He can be a blur in transition, and his ability to pressure the ball on defense often allows the team to create turnovers and get out in the open floor. His size makes it tough to defend larger, physical guards, so he needs to rely on speed whenever possible.

Dustin Hogue, 6’6, 220, Iowa State, Forward – Hogue made an impact immediately in 2013 as a junior college transfer, giving the Cyclones a high energy player who used his athleticism to run the floor and rebound. He often played out of position as a junior, manning the 4 spot for the Cyclones, but the addition of Jameel McKay this year allowed Hogue to move out to the wing. Hogue showed some success as a spot-up shooter, knocking down 43 percent of his 65 three-point attempts. He is also very cut at cutting to the basket from the perimeter off of penetration to either hit the offensive glass or be in position for the dump off pass. Hogue needs to work on his ballhandling to allow him to get to the basket off the dribble more consistently. Defensively, he had some trouble adjusting to quicker players out on the perimeter, but Iowa State as a team had trouble defending. Because he was guarding on the perimeter more, Hogue wasn’t in position to rebound as well as he did as a junior. Still, he plays as hard as anyone on the floor, and he never gives up on plays.

Andre Hollins, 6’2, 195, Minnesota, Guard– Hollins has been a steady player in the backcourt for the Gophers these past four seasons, though he has was always more of a high volume shooter than distributor. Hollins was a good long-range shooter for Minnesota, knocking down 41 percent of his 199 attempts this past season, and 40 percent of his almost 700 attempts in his career. He has shown some ability to knock down jumpers off the dribble, but he was usually much better playing off the ball looking for open space for shots. Hollins is a creative scorer when he looks to get to the basket, though he needs to do a better job finding open teammates and not forcing shots when the help defenders are there. Hollins is an average defender, containing well on the perimeter, though not having great footwork or speed.

Richaun Holmes, 6’8, 232, Bowling Green, Forward – Holmes is a wide-bodied, strong low post player with good footwork and good scoring ability around the basket. He uses his body well to create space around the lane, and he has very good footwork around the basket, often limiting his dribbles needed to make a move. Holmes has improved as a mid-range and long-range shooter, and he can be a terror on the offensive glass. He is a strong finisher at the basket, though shows surprising touch at times. Holmes is also a very good defensive rebounder, using his body well to box out and going strong after the ball. He is very agile around the lane as is one of the top shot blockers in the country. His overall game is solid, but he really just needs to develop his skills a bit more on both ends of the floor.

Juwan Howard, Jr., 6’5, 232, Detroit, Guard – Howard has developed into a very good offensive player for the Titans, averaging almost 18 points per game over the last two seasons. He has developed into a reliable long-range shooter, knocking down 41 percent of his three-point attempts this season. Howard is solidly built, and he likes to use his body to force his way to the basket where he is a good finisher. Howard doesn’t get to the free throw line often, but he is very good when he does, hitting almost 83 percent on his career. His weakness is in the mid-range game, where he likes to force a lot of shots, especially when he can’t get to the basket. Howard doesn’t have great speed or a good first step, so he is often left forcing 10 to 20 foot jumpers. He has a good understanding of the game, and he can surprise with his ability to see the floor and make good passes. Howard isn’t a very good defender, especially since he doesn’t have the physical tools to contain on the perimeter. He can be physical at times, which plays to his advantage, but quicker players can beat him off the dribble somewhat easily.

Tyler Kalinoski, 6’4, 180, Davidson, Guard – Kalinoski, the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, emerged on a bigger stage this season as one of the nation’s best all-around guards. He has the ability to run the point or play off the ball, and he can score in a variety of ways. Kalinoski hit 42 percent from three-point range, after hitting over 45 percent last season. As a student of Coach Bob McKillop, he understands spacing well, whether he is looking to cut to the basket, or find a teammate doing the same. He averaged 4 assists per game, and had only 44 turnovers in 32 games this year. Kalinoski is a good ballhandler, and though not very quick, he uses his dribble well to keep defenders off balance to either knock down the jumper or look to get to the basket. Kalinoski isn’t a great defender, but he is active, and showed ability to step up his containment in big moments this season. With almost 6 rebounds per game, he does a good job tracking the ball, getting to it quickly, and getting his offense moving up the floor.

DaVonte Lacy, 6’4, 210, Washington State, Guard – Lacy has been one of the few bright spots for the Cougars over the past few seasons, though at times, it seemed the burden of having to be the primary scorer seemed to be too much. Over his career, he showed a good ability to knock down three-point shots, which are the majority of scoring attempts, including 39 percent his junior year. This past season under new coach Ernie Kent, Lacy had some trouble finding the same scoring attempts, though he also seemed to force a lot of shots. He is solidly built and he uses his body well to shield the ball when looking to get to the basket. Lacy can be a strong finisher at the basket, and he doesn’t mind some contact when looking to get his shot. He has the ability to create space for his jumper off the dribble, though his handle can be a bit sloppy. Lacy is a below average defender, though he has shown flashes of being able to be disruptive on the perimeter. He doesn’t have great foot speed or lateral movement, and it hasn’t been tough for players to beat him off the dribble.

Cady Lalanne, 6’10, 253, Massachusetts, Center– Long and athletic, Lalanne has been a strong defensive presence for the Minutemen over the past four seasons. He has gotten stronger over his college career, helping him defend in the low post, and rebound, better, and his ability to protect the rim has been among the best in the nation. While Lalanne’s offense hasn’t been spectacular, it has been steady, and though he is not a polished post scorer, he has improved. Lalanne is a much better post scorer on the left block than the right, and he has shown a nice ability to make a dribble move over either shoulder to the rim. He is a very good offensive rebounder, using his length and leaping ability to get to balls quickly and getting good second shot attempts. He runs the floor well for his size, though he isn’t very good at catching the ball on the break and finishing. Lalanne has very little semblance of a mid-range shooting game, and it should be an important part of his pre-draft development.

David Laury, 6’9, 245, Iona, Forward – Laury is a skilled offensive power forward with the ability to score from most spots on the floor. He has very good footwork and touch around the basket, as well as the ability to step out and hit long-range jumpers. Though he has good feet, he isn’t a high-level athlete, and he can have some trouble scoring around longer defenders. Laury has the body to power his way to the basket, though he sometimes need to be reminded that he is much stronger than a lot of the defenders he faces. He has some problem with the mid-range jumper, and will often prefer to try and force the ball to the basket instead of shooting it, leading to some bad shots or turnovers. Laury runs the floor well, getting to the basket area quickly for a pass or offensive rebound. He is a great feel for the game, and has proven to be a pretty good passer. Laury is also very good as a defensive rebounder, using his body well to clear out space and looking to get the ball out quickly so the team can push the ball. He is an average defender, though he has often been forced to defend bigger players. He has shown some ability as a rim protector, though he often needs to be quicker to help.

Chavaughn Lewis, 6’5, 185, Marist, Guard– Lewis has been a tremendous scoring guard the past four seasons at Marist, including averaging over 20 points per game this past year. Though not a very good perimeter shooter, Lewis is very good at attacking the basket, especially in isolation. He has a good first step to the basket, and he has a variety of attack moves off the dribble to help him get to the rim. Once he gets within 10 feet of the basket, Lewis can be very creative about finding shots, and though he isn’t particularly strong, he can be very good about drawing contact. He sees the floor well and he can use his ability to draw multiple defenders off the dribble to find open teammates. Defensively, Lewis does a very good job using his length to disrupt opponents both on and off the ball. He moves his feet fairly well, and he shows remarkable timing when looking to make a play on the ball. Lewis rebounds well for his position, and his ability to push the ball up the floor allows him to get the team out in transition quickly once he grabs a rebound.

Denzel Livingston, 6’4, 178, Incarnate Word, Guard– Livingston has been a stat-sheet stuffer for the Cardinals for the past few seasons, including being one of the nation’s top scorers this past season at over 21 points per game. He is a high usage offensive player, much more comfortable with the ball in his hands so he can look to attack the basket. Livingston gets to the free throw line at a high rate, where he converts 80 percent, but his perimeter shooting still needs a lot of work, especially with shot selection. Livingston has the ability to create for teammates off the dribble, though he looks for his shot first often, and he has a problem with trying to force his way into the defense. He was among the best defenders in the country this past season, having the ability to play on and off the ball well, and showing great instincts. He was among the nation’s leaders in steals, and his frenetic style caused a lot of problems for ballhandlers. Livingston showed to be a good shot blocker for his size, using his ability to cover ground quickly to help in the lane area, and he was also a very good rebounder for his position.

Mikh McKinney, 6’1, 170, Sacramento State, Guard– McKinney was among the nation’s best point guards this past season, proving to be adept as a passer and scorer for the Hornets. McKinney is very good as a pick-and-roll ballhandler, using the screens well to create separation for him to get to the basket or hit the mid- or long-range jumper, as well as finding open teammates cutting to the basket or spotting up on the perimeter. He showed great improvement as a long-range shooter this season, knocking down 43 percent of his 150 attempts, while hitting over half of all his field goal attempts. McKinney has good speed which he uses well in transition, and he has an array of scoring moves which he uses to get to the basket. Defensively, McKinney doesn’t have great size or strength, but he is quick, and was among the nation’s leaders in steals this past season. He has great instincts as a help defender, and he can be very quick to jump passing lanes if an opponent throws a lazy pass.

Keon Moore, 6’5, 190, Winthrop, Guard– Moore was among the top shooters in the country this past season for the Eagles, hitting over 43 percent from three-point range on 234 attempts. The majority of his offense comes from jumpers, usually catch and shoot situations, though he has shown some ability to hit the mid-range jumper off the dribble. He has decent size for his position, though he can develop more physically. Moore is a good enough ballhandler to attack the basket off the dribble, and when he chooses to, he can look to go strong to the rim. He does a good job drawing contact and getting to the line when he drives, and knocking down 86 percent of his free throws is a nice bonus. Moore is an average defender, though he is active and has the ability to play passing lanes well.

Le’Bryan Nash, 6’7, 235, Oklahoma State, Guard/Forward– Nash has never really lived up to his promise as a McDonald’s All-American coming out of high school, though he has shown nice improvement over the past two seasons. Long and athletic, Nash’s offensive game consists of looking to get to the basket off the dribble, or mid-range jumpers, and his lack of improvement from long-range is concerning. He is a decent ballhandler and he uses long strides to get to the basket, where he can finish in some spectacular ways. Nash runs the floor well in transition, and though he can force things, he is also a strong finisher when he gets the ball in a good spot. Defensively, Nash is okay, though he has some bad lapses. He uses his length well to challenge shots on the perimeter and play passing lanes. He also moves his feet well over short distances, but is content to let help defenders bail him out. Nash is a talented player, but he still needs to add parts to his overall game while polishing what he already has.

Stefan Nastic, 6’11, 245, Stanford, Center – Nastic is a skilled low-post player with good footwork and nice touch around the basket. For three seasons he was a role player before taking on a larger part in his senior year. Though not very quick, he uses his body well to seal off defenders in the post. He has the ability to knock down short and mid-range jumpers, as well as being able to face up and make a move to the basket, although not the strongest area of his game. Nastic sees the floor well and can be a good facilitator out of the high or low post, and he uses his length well to get second chance opportunities off of offensive rebounds. Nastic is weak on the defensive end, not really having the strength or quickness to defend the low post or help around the basket. He isn’t as strong on rebounder on defense as he is on offense, and he has had some problems with picking up needless fouls.

Maurice Ndour, 6’9, 200, Ohio, Forward– Ndour, a native of Senegal, has been among the MAC’s top big men since transferring from junior college. Long and athletic, with good ballhandling skills and shooting ability for his size, Ndour can be a tough cover for many forwards or centers. He has the ability to step out to the three-point line, where he hit 43% of his 62 attempts this season, while also showing the ability to hit a mid-range jumper off the dribble. He can be a bit wild at times when looking to get to the basket, and turnovers have been a problem, but he also has shown some decent passing ability out of the post. Ndour is a good rebounder on both ends of the floor, though is lack of strength can hurt him while he relies on his length and leaping ability too much. The lack of strength hurts him on defense as well, though he plays with a frenetic energy which allows him to make plays, and also recover when he gets beat. Ndour is a good shot blocker and has done a good job getting his anticipation and timing down a bit better. Ndour is still raw in a lot of ways; his game isn’t very polished, but he makes up with it with his energy and his consistent improvement every time he plays.

Youssou Ndoye, 7’0, 245, St. Bonaventure, Center– Another native of Senegal, Ndoye did not start playing competitive basketball until he was seventeen years old. He has improved consistently over his four years of college, culminating in averaging a double-double (11.8 pts., 10.1 rebs.) this past season. He is turning into a solid back-to-the-basket post player, using his body well to establish position, and showing the ability to make a move over either shoulder. His touch around the basket is still a bit spotty, but he has developed a semi-reliable hook shot. Ndoye relies on using his strength to establish deep position where he can just turn for a short, easy shot at the rim, as his footwork is still a work-in-progress. He is very good on the offensive boards, and though he can have some trouble converting put backs, he does create extra attempts. Ndoye has improved a lot on the defensive end, showing much better footwork and use of his body, as well as nice knack for timing on his shot-block attempts. Ndoye should be one of the more intriguing prospects at Portsmouth as there is still a lot of potential that is untapped in his game.

D.J. Newbill, 6’4, 210, Penn State, Guard – Newbill, the Big 10’s leading scorer this past season, almost single-handedly kept the Nittany Lions in games this year. He was a very good ballhandler in pick-and-roll situations this year, using the screens well to create his own shot, or finding teammates rolling to the basket or spotting up on the perimeter. He has a very good first step, and good acceleration when driving to the basket. Newbill looks to push the ball in transition when the opportunity is there, and he has shown to be a strong finisher at the basket. His jumper has improved, though he can be inconsistent and miss a lot of open looks. He did knock down 37 percent of his 165 attempts from long-range this season. Newbill is an average defender, but he does contain well on the perimeter, and though he takes some chances, they were often needed to give his team a spark. Newbill’s overall numbers won’t really impress, but Penn State relied on him to carry much of the team’s offensive burden. He can be a more effective player when surrounded by more talent.

Saah Nimley, 5’8, 158, Charleston Southern, Guard – Nimley is small, but extremely quick, and he showed little problem getting defenders to play on their heels hoping he won’t drive right by them. He is very aggressive with the ball, and he thrives from looking to get into the defense and draw contact. Though Nimley was among the nation’s top scorers, he is a high volume-low percentage shooter, and he has a bad habit of forcing a shot with the first decent look he gets. He creates well off the dribble for himself and teammates, but he forces things there as well. Nimley took a remarkable 307 three-point attempts this season, though he only hit 36 percent of them. He does a great job creating the space and time he needs for his jumper with his dribble. Defensively, Nimley relies on his speed, though he doesn’t present much of a challenge for bigger guards.

Gabriel Olaseni, 6’10, 225, Iowa, Forward/Center – Olaseni, the Big 10’s Sixth Man of the Year, has been a solid contributor to the Hawkeyes the past two seasons. He is an energy player, providing his team a spark on defense and rebounding, while he also showed some improvement on the offensive end this year. He is not a very polished low post player, but he uses his size and footwork well to get good shots, and he has no trouble drawing and finishing through contact. Olaseni runs the floor well for his size, and he needs to be watched when streaking towards the basket on the fast break. He likes to hit the glass on both ends of the floor, and he has become a solid defender over his college career. He has the ability to protect the rim, and he has a nice ability to cover a lot of ground quickly to help on defense when needed.

Royce O’Neale, 6’6, 215, Baylor, Guard– O’Neale has developed into a nice role player for the Bears, giving them a big guard who can stretch the floor with his shooting ability, plus the skill and ability to get to the basket or crash the offensive glass. O’Neale hit 44 percent of his three-point attempts this season, which made up about half of his field goal attempts. Though not a great ballhandler, O’Neale uses long strides to get by his man and to the basket, and while not a great finisher, he is aggressive and looks to make something happen when he gets the ball. O’Neale has also shown nice ability as a passer, especially off the dribble or flashing to the high post. He is an improved defender, and he uses his length well to challenge shots on the perimeter. O’Neale has good instincts and awareness, and while not quick enough to make a lot of plays, he doesn’t get himself beat very often either.

Corey Petros, 6’10, 255, Oakland, Center– Petros has been a solid player in the post for the Golden Grizzlies the past four seasons, and he has developed into a consistent threat when he gets the ball down low. Petros uses his body well to get position in the low post, and his improving footwork has allowed him to become an efficient scorer. He has a nice hook shot which he has little trouble getting off, and while not a very good ballhandler, Petros can make a quick move to the basket when given some space. Petros does have some serious problems at the free throw line, hitting just above 50 percent on his career. Petros is not a very good defender, though he does have the size to battle for position on the blocks. He can be slow to help around the basket, and he hasn’t shown much ability as a rim protector.

JayVaughn Pinkston, 6’7, 235, Villanova, Forward– Pinkston has played as an undersized power forward for the Wildcats over the past four seasons, though he has the strength to still be effective. Most of Pinkston’s offense is around the basket area, posting up, crashing the glass, or cutting to the rim. Though he doesn’t have the greatest touch, he has the ability to score through bigger defenders and he uses his strength well to create the space he needs to get a good look. Pinkston’s shooting has never really improved since he got to Villanova, but he rarely goes away from his comfort zone in the lane. He uses his body well to rebound on both ends of the floor, often moving much bigger opponents to clear out space. Pinkston never stood out defensively, though he worked hard and showed some versatility. He helped the team a lot with his willingness to box out and rebound, and though the numbers weren’t very big, he always helped by clearing out space for others to rebound.

T.J. Price, 6’4, 223, Western Kentucky, Guard– Price put together a very good all-around season for the Hilltoppers, leading the team in scoring and assists, while also improving his shooting. Price knocked down 41 percent of his three-point attempts, and he showed he could shoot effectively off the catch or dribble. He has the ability to run the offense, or play off the ball, and he has a solid build which allows him to get to the basket and handle contact. Price showed improved ability as a pick-and-roll ballhandler, making good reads, and coming off the screens well to create space for his shot. Price is a decent defensive player, though nothing really stands out other than his willingness to rebound. He can be slow to react on one play, but make a solid stop on the next, so he needs to work on his consistency.

Levi Randolph, 6’5, 208, Alabama, Guard – Randolph showed a lot of improvement in his senior season, especially with his ability to create offensive chances for himself and teammates. He used screens well to create space for his jumper, and though he doesn’t have great vision or passing ability, he was able to find open teammates when drawing the defense. Randolph has never really been a threat as a long-range shooter, shooting between 34 and 35 percent each of the last three seasons. Instead, he liked to work his way into the defense and look for opportunities to get to the rim or pull up for a shorter jumper. Randolph is very athletic, and he uses that ability well on the defensive end. He moves his feet well, anticipates movements, and plays passing lanes. Though never a standout player, Randolph was consistent at what he does well.

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 – Complete List

By Ed Isaacson | Apr 10, 2015

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