Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Notebook: Who are the best prospects?

Historically, the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) has been a springboard for under-the-radar grinders, with past alumni including Jimmy Butler, Derrick White, and a long list of diamonds in the rough like Craig Porter Jr., Hunter Tyson, Toumani Camara, and Enrique Freeman.

Typically, around 10 PIT participants earn invites to the G League Elite Camp in Chicago, just days before the NBA Draft Combine. Strong performances there can propel players onto the main stage—the Combine itself—and into draft conversations.

The 71st annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) had no shortage of talented players. Former NBA player Raymond Felton’s cousin, RJ Felton out of East Carolina emerged as one of the tournament’s most dynamic guards, playing with a relentless edge and elite athleticism. His late addition (replacing an injured Augustas Marčiulionis) became a major storyline, as his athleticism, three-point shooting, rim attacks and transition playmaking made him a nightmare for defenders. On the interior, Kadin Shedrick and Jonas Aidoo dominated with their size, mobility, and defensive presence, while Nelly Junior Joseph and Viktor Lahkin showcased the kind of versatility and physicality that NBA teams covet in modern bigs. Meanwhile, versatile forwards like Jonathan Pierre and Julian Reese flashed two-way potential, and guards like Tamar Bates and Chris Youngblood brought scoring punch and defensive tenacity.

HoopsHype was on the ground all week in Portsmouth, Virginia, at Churchland High School, scouting prospects and gathering intel from coaches and scouts in attendance. Below, we break down the top performers who boosted their stock in Portsmouth.