Traditionally, the Portsmouth Invitational Event (PIT) has been a springboard for under-the-radar grinders, with previous alumni together with Jimmy Butler, Derrick White, and a protracted record 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 principle stage—the Mix itself—and into draft conversations.
The 71st annual Portsmouth Invitational Event (PIT) had no scarcity of gifted gamers. Former NBA participant Raymond Felton’s cousin, RJ Felton out of East Carolina emerged as one of many match’s most dynamic guards, taking part in with a relentless edge and elite athleticism. His late addition (changing an injured Augustas Marčiulionis) turned a serious storyline, as his athleticism, three-point capturing, 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 type of versatility and physicality that NBA groups covet in fashionable 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. Beneath, 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 along 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 capacity to assault the rim with authority and his easy transition sport make him a troublesome matchup for defenders. Felton arguably turned probably the greatest guards at PIT, showcasing his deep capturing vary, playmaking capacity and high-energy type. If he continues to carry out at this degree in the course of 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
Mark Zelaski – Syndication: The Tennessean
Kadin Shedrick stood out as one of many high massive males at PIT, showcasing his dimension, mobility, and defensive presence. At 7-5 with a formidable wingspan, Shedrick’s capacity to guard the rim and dominate the glass makes him an intriguing NBA prospect. His rebounding and shot-blocking had been main property, and he confirmed promise as a dependable shooter from past the arc. Shedrick’s mixture of dimension and ability makes him one of many high 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
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 nicely to play drop and athletic sufficient to change 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 a fantastic one-handed bounce move. His all-around sport and basketball IQ make him one of many high 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
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Jonas Aidoo was one other standout massive man at PIT, impressing along with his athleticism and skill to run the ground. Standing at almost 7-foot with a 7-5 wingspan, Aidoo’s rim safety and rebounding had been key parts of his sport. His lengthy stride and skill to complete on the rim stood out, particularly in pick-and-roll conditions. Aidoo’s capacity to stretch the ground along with his capturing provides one other layer to his sport. He additionally huge sufficient when screening that defenders need to go round or change. His efficiency at PIT solidified him as one of many high bigs there, and may 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
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 could not have the identical elite athleticism as a few of the different bigs, Lahkin used his dimension successfully within the put up and to seize boards. Lahkin’s not flashy, however he’s obtained 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 strong efficiency at PIT could have boosted his inventory as a possible two-way contract. Regardless if he’s in Chicago count on to see him on a Summer season League group 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
Stephen Brashear-Imagn Photos
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 flexibility to protect a number of positions and be a weakside rim protector. He can contribute as a low-usage scorer and strong rebounder that will get in place nicely. 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 strong screens that his huge body makes defenders have change or go over/underneath. Reese’s versatility as a non-shooting change massive who is aware of the 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 shifting 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
Syndication: The Tennessean
Jonathan Pierre is a flexible 6-8 ahead with a close to 7-1 wingspan who impressed along with his capacity to house the ground and contribute defensively. Pierre’s easy capturing stroke and skill to defend a number of positions make him a strong position participant within the making. Must tighten his deal with, however he confirmed flashes of his capacity 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
- Katie Stratman-Imagn Photos
David N’Guessan was a participant who made essentially the most of his alternatives at PIT, hitting key photographs and taking part in strong protection. At 6’9″, N’Guessan used his size and athleticism to be a flexible defender and a dependable rebounder. His capturing 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 along with his athleticism and size giving him a bonus. N’Guessan’s consistency and flexibility may make him a beneficial 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
Steven Branscombe-Imagn Photos
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 photographs and seize boards. Offensively, he showcased his capacity 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 robust mentality and skill to compete on each ends make him an intriguing prospect with lots 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
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Tamar Bates made his presence felt at PIT along with his high-energy play and scoring capacity. 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 flexibility 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 capacity to affect the sport from deep as a shooter and in transition makes him an intriguing prospect. Bates’ swagger and skill to compete at a excessive degree will assist him get extra alternatives shifting 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean
Chris Youngblood was a gradual presence for his group, providing each scoring and protection all through the PIT. A 6-4 guard, Youngblood performed with a nonstop motor, impressing along with his capacity 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 capacity 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
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Nolan Hickman was a strong flooring basic at PIT, recognized for his capacity to attain inside and create alternatives for teammates. A sensible and regular presence on the ground, Hickman displayed the talents wanted to handle an offense whereas additionally competing on the defensive finish. Nevertheless, his shot wouldn’t fall however I feel his willingness to compete whereas doing the little issues proven by means of. As a possible backup level guard, his capacity to steer a group and hold issues underneath management however being a restricted athlete don’t count on 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
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CJ Huntley confirmed off his rebounding and inside presence at PIT. His 7-4 wingspan permits him to compete on each ends, particularly with regards to rim safety and cleansing up the boards. Huntley’s all arms and power – alters photographs, gobbles rebounds, and exhibits flashes of a three-ball. Uncooked however intriguing as a developmental stretch-big undertaking. His bodily instruments and hustle make him a participant to regulate shifting 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
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 flexibility to protect a number of positions, regardless that his offense wasn’t all the time clicking. His size and defensive instincts make him an intriguing long-term prospect. Milicic strikes his ft like a guard defensively however shoots like a middle. The offense could by no means come, however that defensive versatility is value 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
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Andrew Carr is an intriguing ahead who combines dimension and flexibility at 6-10. At PIT, he confirmed flashes of his capacity to protect completely different positions and contribute on offense, although his capturing struggled at occasions. Carr’s capacity 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 value monitoring. Query is he extra Dean Wade or Quinten Publish. 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 in the course of the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Event.
You’ll be able to observe Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo) on X, previously often known as Twitter, or Blue Sky.
