The PIT is not the Pits!

The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (or the PIT) is the nation's oldest amateur basketball tournament. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the PIT, the tournament is available only to the best college seniors in the country. In recent years, the tournament has tended to contain second tier professional prospects--those who are not projected as early first round picks. This year, it has come to the public's attention that many NBA scouts are now complaining about the Portsmouth Invitational, saying that attending is a complete waste of time and money. And this has me steaming.

The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament gives opportunities to college players who have produced all year but are overlooked because they are a couple inches shorter than the average NBA player at their position, because they don't have a 42 inch vertical leap, because they don't have a 7'6" wingspan. Look at the PIT's history. Its alumni include Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, Rick Barry, Dave Cowens, and the list goes on. And while scouts argue that times have changed since players like that participated in the PIT, it has given opportunities to approximately 50 current NBA players, including the likes of Ben Wallace, Derek Fisher, Cuttino Mobley, PJ Brown, Ruben Patterson, etc. Last year alone, the PIT produced 10 NBA players, namely Chris Quinn, who has started at times for the championship-contending Miami Heat this year. On top of its NBA credentials, the majority of its participants go on to successful careers overseas.

NBA scouts continue to rip the tournament for its lack of first round talent. They say it's useless. But tell that to Dashaun Wood from Wright State, the Horizon league MVP who was overlooked because he's only 5'11" and the PIT has given him new life. Tell that to Stephane Lasme who was overlooked because he's already 24 years old, but the PIT has helped him solidify himself as a second round pick. Tell that to Division 2 standout Avis Wyatt from Virginia State who was able to show that he can compete against top notch D-1 players. I could go on, but you get the point. Maybe the tournament isn't packed with lottery picks, but how can we disregard a tournament as a waste of time when it gives unheralded players the chance to realize a dream year after year after year?

Here are some other names to keep your ears out for come NBA draft time that helped themselves at this year's Portsmouth Invitational Tournament:

Zabian Dowdell (Virginia Tech), a terrific scorer who can shoot from the outside, hit the mid-range jumper, or use his athleticism to get to the hoop. Overlooked because: He is only about 6'2" and a natural shooting guard.
NBA Comparison: Ronald "Flip" Murray

Mohammed Akubar (San Diego State), an athletic 6'10" forward who can shoot the ball very well for someone with his size. Overlooked because: He Abukar does not rebound or defend well for somebody with his natural abilities.
NBA Comparison: James Jones (not quite as good a shooter)

Darryl Watkins (Syracuse), a very intriguing, freakishly athletic big man with great size and shot-blocking ability. Overlooked because: He lacks a developed offensive game and has lapses at times on the court.
NBA Comparison: Johan Petro

Russell Carter (Notre Dame), a sharpshooter with the quintessential scorer's mentality; he demands the ball and often shoots when he gets it; great rebounder for his size due to his tenacity, athleticism, and solid build. Overlooked because: He is only 6'4" and cannot play point guard.
NBA Comparison: poor man's Michael Redd

James Hughes (Northern Illinois), another intriguing big man with great size (6'11", 220) and shot blocking ability; decent offensive skills around the hoop, though not overwhelming; relatively athletic. Overlooked because: He has had little exposure playing at an unheralded MAC school, and is still very raw.
NBA Comparison: poor man's Tyson Chandler

Ryvon Covile (Detroit), a fantastic rebounder who can bang with the best of them; can step outside a little bit and hit an 18 foot jump shot; great work ethic; decent size/athleticism. Overlooked because: He played at a small school and is a bit small for an NBA PF/C for someone who is not particularly athletic.
NBA Comparison: Danny Fortson

Rashad Jones-Jennings (Arkansas Little-Rock), the nation's leading rebounder (13.1 per game); unbelievable work ethic--never takes a play off; solid enough offensively to be an occasional threat. Overlooked because: Only 6'8" which can be limiting as a rebounder, not outstandingly athletic; played in the Sun Belt.
NBA Comparison: Reggie Evans

Jamaal Tatum (Southern Illinois), MVP of the MVC (say that 5 times fast...); a completely selfless point guard who will do anything to help his team win; tough going to the hoop where he can finish or dish; solid size for a true point guard; great defender. Overlooked because: Tatum has a very mediocre jump shot that does not extend anywhere near the NBA three point line.
NBA Comparison: Rajon Rondo

Adam Haluska (Iowa), a lights out shooter who carried his team to a solid season with very little help; a good scorer inside of the arc as well who can get to the hoop or pull up for the mid-range jumper. Overlooked because: Haluska lacks NBA athleticism and does very little other than score the basketball. (He also looks like an average men's league player who is balding and well past his prime)
NBA Comparison: Eric Piatowski