Portsmouth Invitational 2012: Biggest Senior Stars Who Will Solidify Draft Stock
The Portsmouth Invitational is one of the last times college seniors have a chance to impress NBA scouts.
The 60th annual event begins on Wednesday, and you can count on hundreds of NBA and international scouts, general managers and representatives to be in attendance.
In today’s NBA landscape, there aren’t a ton of seniors that will be selected in the draft. The best players stay for one or two years, with the seniors typically being star players from small schools or late bloomers.
A quick peek of the roster suggests there really wasn’t a ton of top-notch talent in the class of 2012 still in college, but there are players that stand out of the crowd. Expect these three to shine in front of all of the NBA scouts, locking down a draft selection in the process.
Yancy Gates, Cincinnati F
The 6’9’’ forward was able to out-muscle opponents in the Big East, but will now have to work on developing a mid-range jump shot and a more versatile offensive game overall to excel in the NBA.
But that can wait. For now, he’s still able to be a dominating force in the post, using his 260-pound frame to bully the majority of the big men he’ll face throughout this tournament.
Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin G
One of the premier talents in the game, don’t be fooled by his 14.7 PPG registered his senior year. In an offense that drags out every possession, Taylor was one of the more efficient players in the entire nation.
With his 6’1’’, 195-pound frame, he is the ideal point guard for a team looking for a sharp-shooter with long distance range who is more than capable of running an offense as well. There is no question he’ll be the best point at Portsmouth.
Augustus Gilchrist, PF, South Florida
While Gilchrist only averaged 9.6 PPG after registering 13.4 PPG the last two years, there is a lot to be excited about for his pro prospects. Remember, the Bulls averaged 59.2 PPG (328th in the nation), so it’s not like he wasn’t a big part of that side of the ball.
The 6’10’’, 240-pounder averaged 1.2 blocks per game as one of the premier defenders in the Big East this past season. His presence in the post was a huge reason the team was one of the best defensive units in the nation.
Expect heavy-duty defense from a guy that has the potential to be the next Serge Ibaka.
