NCAA Basketball: Portsmouth Invitational brimming with talent

Standout Players

Choosing only five players was extremely difficult which speaks to the depth of this draft class. There are about 16 players who could reasonably earn a combine invite, but when analyzing the players who were selected last year, a few common traits stood out.

All these players are multi-positional and can shoot from long-range. If you include Bird and Brown who were not invited to the combine, the trend towards 3-and-D wings and big versatile PGs who defend is quite apparent.

This is why Jock Landale, who I think is the best player in the tournament, is not on the list. A back to the basket big is less appealing than a floor spacer and versatile defender. So, here are the five players that I predict will receive combine invites:

Jared Terrell, SG URI

Terrell is a strong versatile guard who played some PF for URI even though he is only 6’3”. Measurements, specifically wingspan, will be huge for Terrell’s prospects because a solid wingspan would indicate that he could play multiple positions in the NBA. Offensively, Terrell can shoot from long-range, attack the rim with powerful drives, and can create offense for himself and his teammates. He is definitely a second round sleeper.

Devon Hall, SG Virginia

Hall was an essential piece to Virginia’s dominant regular season and his ability to play multiple positions will catch the attention of NBA scouts. Defensively, he will make a noticeable impact since he can guard 1-3. Offensively, he can handle the ball and shot 43% from three. While not a flashy player, Hall should project as a good role player.

George King, SF Colorado

King was often overlooked for the mediocre Colorado Buffaloes, but he won’t be overlooked in this setting. His ability to play the small ball PF is very appealing as he can compete inside against bigger players and can stretch the floor. King shot 40% from three this season and averaged almost 8 rpg.

Kenrich Williams, PF TCU–

Williams is one of my favorite second round sleepers. Like King, Williams can play inside and out and this versatility will put him on the draft radar. He shot 40% from three while playing more minutes on the wing this season. He supplements his floor spacing ability with aggressive rebounding and a more than capable interior scoring package.

Justin Tillman, PF/C VCU–

My fifth and final prediction is the deepest sleeper in the group. Tillman is an athletic 6’8” big man who added a three pointer to his repertoire this season. While he only shot 33% from three, this was the first season that he hit a three pointer so this percentage should increase. Tillman’s activity and athleticism should stand out in this setting. Not to mention his ability to put the ball on the floor against opposing bigs.