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.
Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
RJ Felton was a standout guard at the PIT who impressed with his elite athleticism and competitive spirit. Standing 6’3.5 with a near 6-10 wingspan, Felton plays with a chip on his shoulder, excelling at both ends of the floor. His ability to attack the rim with authority and his smooth transition game make him a tough matchup for defenders. Felton arguably became one of the best guards at PIT, showcasing his deep shooting range, playmaking ability and high-energy style. If he continues to perform at this level during the G League Elite Camp, Felton could earn an invite to the NBA Combine.
R.J. Felton averaged 25.7 minutes, 21.7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.3 steals, 0 blocks, 65.0% FG, 58.8% 3P, and 75.0% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Mark Zelaski – Syndication: The Tennessean
Kadin Shedrick stood out as one of the top big men at PIT, showcasing his size, mobility, and defensive presence. At 7-5 with an impressive wingspan, Shedrick’s ability to protect the rim and dominate the glass makes him an intriguing NBA prospect. His rebounding and shot-blocking were major assets, and he showed promise as a reliable shooter from beyond the arc. Shedrick’s combination of size and skill makes him one of the top frontcourt players at the event, and it’s expected he’ll be invited to the G Elite Camp in Chicago next month.
Kadin Shedrick averaged 27.3 minutes, 11.7 points, 10 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.7 blocks, 65.2% FG, 0% 3P, and 62.5% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Syndication: Akron Beacon Journal
Nelly Junior Joseph brought his impressive physicality and versatility to PIT, where he dominated in both the paint, the glass on both ends and the defensive end. Standing 6-10 with a 7-2 wingspan, Joseph his presence felt on defense as he uses his length well to play drop and athletic enough to switch with fours and fives. Joseph bullies smaller bigs in the post and has the footwork to counter doubles. His passing out of the block is sneaky-good, he throws a great one-handed bounce pass. His all-around game and basketball IQ make him one of the top frontcourt prospects at the event. Joseph should also be in line for a G Elite Camp invite.
Nelly Junior Joseph averaged 27.7 minutes, 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 1 blocks, 67.9% FG, 0% 3P, and 77.8% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Jonas Aidoo was another standout big man at PIT, impressing with his athleticism and ability to run the floor. Standing at nearly 7-foot with a 7-5 wingspan, Aidoo’s rim protection and rebounding were key elements of his game. His long stride and ability to finish at the rim stood out, especially in pick-and-roll situations. Aidoo’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting adds another layer to his game. He also wide enough when screening that defenders have to go around or switch. His performance at PIT solidified him as one of the top bigs there, and should get further exposure with a the G Elite Camp invite.
Jonas Aidoo averaged 25.0 minutes, 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 66.7% FG, 0% 3P, and 0% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Viktor Lahkin was another intriguing frontcourt prospect, using his 7-foot frame and big wingspan to impact the game on both ends. Although he may not have the same elite athleticism as some of the other bigs, Lahkin used his size effectively in the post and to grab boards. Lahkin’s not flashy, but he’s got old-school post moves and sees the floor like a point guard. Will pass out the low block or run DHOs from the elbow. His lack of burst hurts defensively, but in a drop coverage system? Lahkin’s solid performance at PIT may have boosted his stock as a potential two-way contract. Regardless if he is in Chicago expect to see him on a Summer League team because you can’t teach size.
Viktor Lakhin averaged 26.5 minutes, 16.5 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1.5 blocks, 71.4% FG, 60.0% 3P, and 0% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Julian Reese also turned heads at PIT, Angel Reese’s brother put together some strong performances as a switchable big. Reese, at 6’10 with a 7’1 wingspan displayed the ability to guard multiple positions and be a weakside rim protector. He can contribute as a low-usage scorer and solid rebounder that gets in position well. His work on the glass and rim running stood out, as he made a noticeable impact on both ends of the floor. He might be the biggest five but he sets solid screens that his wide frame makes defenders have switch or go over/under. Reese’s versatility as a non-shooting switch big who knows how to vertically space the floor, doesn’t do too much and defensive upside make him one of the more intriguing bigs at PIT, and he’s expected to be on NBA radars moving forward.
Julian Reese averaged 30.0 minutes, 13.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.3 blocks, 45.5% FG, 0% 3P, and 83.3% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Syndication: The Tennessean
Jonathan Pierre is a versatile 6-8 forward with a near 7-1 wingspan who impressed with his ability to space the floor and contribute defensively. Pierre’s smooth shooting stroke and ability to defend multiple positions make him a solid role player in the making. Needs to tighten his handle, but he showed flashes of his ability to drive (off dribble penetration) and create offense in transition. Pierre’s physical tools and two-way potential make him an intriguing prospect who could see a rise in his draft stock.
Jonathan Pierre averaged 25.5 minutes, 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.5 blocks, 44% FG, 21.4% 3P, and 80.0% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
- Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
David N’Guessan was a player who made the most of his opportunities at PIT, hitting key shots and playing solid defense. At 6’9″, N’Guessan used his length and athleticism to be a versatile defender and a reliable rebounder. His shooting stroke was also a pleasant surprise, making him an interesting prospect as a modern forward who can stretch the floor. He had multiple dominant games of crashing the glass with his athleticism and length giving him an advantage. N’Guessan’s consistency and versatility could make him a valuable role player at the next level.
David N’Guessan averaged 25.0 minutes, 9.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 68.8% FG, 30% 3P, and 100% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
Jahmyl Telfort is built like a linebacker and guards like one too. Physical, switchable, and lives for contact. With a 7-foot wingspan, Telfort used his length to affect shots and grab boards. Offensively, he showcased his ability to attack the rim and get to the free-throw line, using his athleticism and drive to pressure defenses. His jumper looked good and he showed no problem spacing the floor off the ball. Telfort’s tough mentality and ability to compete on both ends make him an intriguing prospect with a lot of upside, especially as a defensive-minded player. He should receive an invite to Chicago after his PIT performances.
Jahmyl Telfort averaged 19 minutes, 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1 steal, 53.3% FG, 33.3% 3P, and 60.0% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Tamar Bates made his presence felt at PIT with his high-energy play and scoring ability. Bates shoots with ice in his veins and competes defensively. He seemed to guard one through three with no problem as he built with long arms. He showed the ability to be a secondary facilitator as he would kickstart fastbreaks and then hit the open man in transition. A large two-guard or swingman with a competitive edge, he showed how active on both ends of the floor. His ability to impact the game from deep as a shooter and in transition makes him an intriguing prospect. Bates’ swagger and ability to compete at a high level will help him get more opportunities moving forward.
Tamar Bates averaged 31.3 minutes, 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 57.6% FG, 46.2% 3P, and 100% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean
Chris Youngblood was a steady presence for his team, offering both scoring and defense throughout the PIT. A 6-4 guard, Youngblood played with a nonstop motor, impressing with his ability to defend multiple positions and space the floor on offense. His stocky frame, toughness and basketball IQ allow him to make smart decisions on both ends, and his ability to guard both guard spots at the next level is a nice touch. Not a primary shot creator, could stick as a reserve role player who knows his job.
Chris Youngblood averaged 25.3 minutes, 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 0.7 steals, 46.2% FG, 31.6% 3P, and 100% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nolan Hickman was a solid floor general at PIT, known for his ability to score inside and create opportunities for teammates. A smart and steady presence on the floor, Hickman displayed the skills needed to manage an offense while also competing on the defensive end. However, his shot would not fall but I think his willingness to compete while doing the little things shown through. As a potential backup point guard, his ability to lead a team and keep things under control but being a limited athlete don’t expect more than a backup role.
Nolan Hickman averaged 23.0 minutes, 6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks, 29.2% FG, 16.7% 3P, and 100% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
John Fisher/Getty Images
CJ Huntley showed off his rebounding and inside presence at PIT. His 7-4 wingspan allows him to compete on both ends, especially when it comes to rim protection and cleaning up the boards. Huntley’s all arms and energy – alters shots, gobbles rebounds, and shows flashes of a three-ball. Raw but intriguing as a developmental stretch-big project. His physical tools and hustle make him a player to keep an eye on moving forward.
C.J. Huntley averaged 22.5 minutes, 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1 block, 61.5% FG, 37.5% 3P, and 50.0% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean
Igor Milicic Jr. had an up-and-down performance at PIT, but his potential on the defensive end stood out. At 6-9, Milicic showed the ability to guard multiple positions, even though his offense wasn’t always clicking. His length and defensive instincts make him an intriguing long-term prospect. Milicic moves his feet like a guard defensively but shoots like a center. The offense may never come, but that defensive versatility is worth a two-way contract flier.
Igor Milicic Jr. averaged 24 minutes, 9.3 points, 3 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 2 blocks, 34.6% FG, 16.7% 3P, and 88.9% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Andrew Carr is an intriguing forward who combines size and versatility at 6-10. At PIT, he showed flashes of his ability to guard different positions and contribute on offense, though his shooting struggled at times. Carr’s ability to play both the ‘three’ and ‘four’ spots could make him a useful piece at the next level, and his potential as a defensive-minded forward is worth monitoring. Question is he more Dean Wade or Quinten Post. Carr’s a tweener forward who guards multiple positions but struggles to score. If the shot comes around, he’s a useful 3-and-D piece. If not, he’s overseas-bound.
Andrew Carr averaged 23 minutes, 9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.3 steals, blocks, 34.4% FG, 23.1% 3P, and 100% FT during the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
You can follow Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo) on X, formerly known as Twitter, or Blue Sky.
