Every year, the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament is one of the key events to evaluate NCAA seniors just before they make the jump to pro basketball. In this analysis, we will look at some of the most interesting profiles participating from April 16 to 19 at Churchland High School on Cedar Lane in Virginia in this prestigious tournament now in its 71st edition. These 17 players have been on our radar for years, and we’ve been tracking their development closely.
Why is the PIT important for the Overseas Market?
The PIT represents a crucial opportunity to get noticed by NBA scouts and international agents. Many players who participate in the tournament have not been invited to the more exclusive NBA Draft Combine, so the PIT serves as an alternative platform for displaying their skills in games watched by numerous organization professionals. Several PIT alumni have found success in the NBA, but it is especially a fundamental showcase for getting better-known in international leagues overseas. Last year, Kalib Boone, now in pursuit of the title in Finland, made a name for himself, along with Fardaws Aimaq, one of the best rookie big men of 2024, who averages nearly a double-double in Hungary, and Sean East, who is making a significant impact in Romania.
SLEEPERS FROM THE SHADOWS
Five names you might have overlooked, but not us. Coming from smaller conferences, these players proved they belong. Don’t let the logo fool you: they’re built to compete. They’ve already produced at high efficiency and carry tools that translate.
R.J. Felton (East Carolina, 18.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.5 apg) is a guard of great strength and physicality who can dominate on the court. Very aggressive on the offensive boards (1.9 per game), he has improved his consistency in shooting from beyond the three-point arc each season. Named to the AAC First Team. READ THE REPORT
Earl Timberlake (Bryant, 15.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.7 apg) was named Player of the Year and led his team to the America East title, a modern all-around player who, after struggling to find his role at Miami (FL) and Memphis, thrived at the Bulldogs, finally showcasing his complete skillset. READ THE REPORT.
C.J. Huntley (Appalachian State, 15.7 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.1 apg) is a versatile player, a dual-threat forward who can both finish at the rim and stretch the floor with consistent outside shooting. Named to the Second Team of the Sun Belt, his significant growth in his final year makes him an intriguing option for modern systems READ THE REPORT.
John Poulakidas (Yale, 19.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.3 apg) is an impressive sharpshooter (40.8% on 7.9 attempts) who has won the Ivy League three times and was named to the First-Team Conference in 2025. A constant growth over the years makes him a high-level shooting specialist with clear plug-and-play potential at the next level. READ THE REPORT.
Bez Mbeng (Yale, 13 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.8 apg) is an all-around player who has won the Ivy League as Poulakidas three times; in his case, a three-time Ivy League DPOY who also earned Player of the Year honors in 2025. The combination of athleticism and dedication makes him arguably the top on-ball defender in this year’s class. READ THE REPORT.
MAJOR TALENT, DIFFERENT STAGE
Big East, ACC, Atlantic-10, Mountain West and Big-12. High-level experience, translatable skills, and the mentality to deliver right away.
Erik Reynolds (St. Joseph’s, 16 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.6 apg) is a combo guard with proven scoring instincts and vocal leadership, a Second-Team selection from the Atlantic-10. His skills make him a ready-to-contribute scoring guard for overseas teams looking for backcourt reliability. READ THE REPORT.
Nelly Joseph (New Mexico, 14.2 ppg, 11 rpg, 1.5 bpg) is a Nigerian big man and relentless double-double machine who has been named to the First-Team and the All-Defensive Team of the Mountain West. His size makes him a consistent interior presence on both ends. READ THE REPORT.
Chanche McMillian (Texas Tech, 14.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.8 apg) has a soft touch and is a high-level sharpshooter (43.3% from three on 5.3 attempts) who earned a spot on the Big-12 Second-Team. He has an excellent off-ball awareness that boosts his overall two-way impact. READ THE REPORT.
Chase Hunter (Clemson, 16.5 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.5 apg) is a big-bodied point guard who, thanks to his size, can make a difference all over the court. A leader and proven to deliver in high-stakes moments, he was named to the ACC First Team. A name to watch closely for top-tier European competitions. READ THE REPORT.
Deivon Smith (St. John’s, 9.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.9 apg) his blend of athleticism, leadership and versatility has made him a player helped balance the Red Storm’s system on both ends, champions of the Big East. A system player, he received only an honorable mention in the Pac-12 in 2024, making him an ideal system player for the European game. READ THE REPORT.
THE NOBILITY OF THE SEC
Seven names from the heart of the SEC, where size, athleticism, and high-stakes matchups are the norm. If you can thrive here, you’re already playing at a near-pro level.
Igor Milicic Jr. (Tennessee, 9.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.9 apg) is a player with a dual dimension; this European profile stretches the floor with confidence and displays elite coordination for a player of his height. After starring at Charlotte (Second-Team selection in the AAC in 2024), he is a runner-up in the SEC, proving his game translates across levels and contexts. READ THE REPORT.
A.J. Hoggard (Vanderbilt, 9.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.6 apg) is a strong-bodied floor general who can provide versatility in multiple tactical situations. After four seasons at Michigan State (two honorable mentions in the Big Ten), he has confirmed his abilities at the highest NCAA level. He is a PIT returnee, further validating his consistency and reputation. READ THE REPORT.
Cameron Matthews (Mississippi State, 7.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.6 apg) a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2024 and 2025) and arguably the top defender in the class. A combination of athleticism, physicality, and energy makes him a defensive anchor (2.4 spg), disruptive both on-ball and within team schemes. READ THE REPORT.
Sean Pedulla (Ole Miss, 15.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.9 apg) is a point guard who, after three standout seasons at Virginia Tech (Third-Team ACC in 2024), he has become the engine behind a team that reached the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2001. With Italian and Irish roots, he projects as a high-IQ European-style point guard with real upside. READ THE REPORT.
Chris Youngblood (Alabama, 10.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.9 apg) is an ideal prototype for a 3&D player, strong size with a reliable shot from beyond the three-point arc (38.8% on 5.3 attempts) and a solid defensive presence. A Conference title with Kennesaw State, AAC Player of the Year at South Florida, and an Elite Eight appearance with Alabama. An ideal profile for winning teams. READ THE REPORT.
Johnell Davis (Arkansas, 12 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.6 apg) nominated alongside Youngblood as Player of the Year for the AAC with Florida Atlantic before transferring to the SEC. A tough combo guard with proven scoring chops, he is a leader capable of stepping up when needed, as shown by his 30-point performance in his final collegiate game against Texas Tech. READ THE REPORT.
Andrew Carr (Kentucky, 10.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.7 apg) started at Delaware, moved to Wake Forest, and ended up in one of the most prestigious colleges; his journey reflects steady development and adaptability. He has good mobility, can stretch the floor with his shooting, and has the size to anchor the paint. READ THE REPORT.
THIS IS JUST THE SURFACE
The 17 names from the PIT are only a small sample of the Scouting work we’ve done on the 2025 Class. Our database already includes hundreds of profiles with verified info, career paths, and insights you won’t find in box scores.
Don’t waste time watching the same clips as everyone else, we’ve already done the work for you. Unlock access to our full scouting platform and request a shortlist of the best college prospects ready for Europe.
Because knowing a player goes far beyond watching their highlights.
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