Portsmouth Invitational 2012: Top Seniors Who Will Impress NBA Scouts

The Portsmouth Invitational basketball tournament, which runs from Wednesday through Saturday, has become one of the premier proving grounds for some of the nation's top seniors throughout the years.

Based in Portsmouth, Va., it's the last chance for some seniors to impress NBA scouts before the draft, which generally makes it a very competitive tournament.

There aren't any legit first-rounders in this year's crop, but that doesn't mean there won't be some names that surprise and go on to have lengthy NBA careers.

Here's a look at my top three seniors participating in the 2012 Portsmouth Invitational.

3. Jordan Taylor, PG, Wisconsin

Jordan Taylor is a strong, physical guard who has a shot at making it into the second round of the draft this year. He's a good shooter, particularly from three-point range, and he's a guy who won't make many mistakes and has a high basketball IQ.

Taylor and Wisconsin made it to the Sweet 16 this year, with Taylor being a big reason for the team's run through the NCAA tournament.

Unfortunately for Taylor, however, he didn't shoot to his ability overall this season (40 percent), and that might drop him out of the draft, especially given that he doesn't have great explosiveness or athleticism to get to the rim.

But he has a shot at impressing scouts at the Invitational, and I expect him to ride his NCAA tournament success into Portsmouth.

2. Kyle O'Quinn, C, Norfolk State

Kyle O'Quinn is a sleeper this year, with the size, athleticism and overall skills to make it into the second round. He will score for you in the paint, rebound and block shots, in addition to being a very good man-to-man defender.

He was the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference player of the year and defensive player of the year.

O'Quinn's NCAA tournament was half-and-half. He scored 26 points and pulled down 14 rebounds in Norfolk State's upset of No. 2 seed Missouri, but he went 1-of-9 with four points and three rebounds in 24 minutes against Florida.

Another big showing in Portsmouth could make him a lot of money, though. NBA teams are searching for bigs, as usual.

1. Ricardo Ratliffe, PF, Missouri

Ricardo Ratliffe is a curious prospect heading into the 2012 NBA draft. He's only 6'8", and he isn't the most explosive or long athlete, but his quick release, combined with his low-post moves and incredible motor allowed him to shoot nearly 70 percent from the floor this past season.

He's also a very smart player who rarely takes bad shots, and his lacking perimeter game is being overshadowed by his efficiency in the paint. NBA scouts will certainly be eying Ratliffe in Portsmouth.

By the way, Ratliffe had no problem with super-athletic teams such as Baylor, in the regular season or the NCAA tournament, so that may outweigh concerns about his explosiveness.

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