Portsmouth Invitational 2012: Latest on Tournament's Breakout Stars

It may be tucked away from view and hidden from most headlines, but the 2012 Portsmouth Invitational is a crucial measure of gifted players hoping to be tomorrow's stars. 

The NCAA Tournament has dissolved into discussion on NBA teams, where they sit headed into the draft and which superstars will be plugged into those holes. 

There are two sides to this spectrum, and on the other side are seniors with immense hope of making it into the draft, and the Portsmouth Invitational is one of the last opportunities to shine. 

Here is a brief rundown on the latest and greatest to come from the Invitational that very well could serve as a springboard from some great players that just need a brief spotlight. 

For an in-depth review of Day 2, visit NBA Draft's Ryan Mattocks' page. 

1. Rakim Sanders

It's hard to prove consistency in such a short tournament, but Rakim Sanders is doing just that. The Fairfield senior had a great opening night and is doing just the same in night No. 2. 

He had 18 points and 11 rebounds on 7-for-14 shooting. Mattocks notes that his comfort with using both hands is what really made him standout. 

It seems his confidence is booming right now, and that can only lead to good things. 

2. Ashton Gibbs

The returns are in for the Pittsburgh guard and they are good. He showed a brief flash of brilliance that should have scouts fairly impressed. 

He hit 3-for-5 from three-point land but it was the way he handled himself on the floor and had other players biting on fakes that really made him standout. 

3. Bradford Burgess

The VCU star's line doesn't look great, but he impressed Mattocks so I am inclined to see how things pan out. 

While he only had nine points and eight rebounds on 2-for-7 from the field, he looked like a man in a field of mice. 

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The 6’6” physical specimen showed range out to the NBA 3-pt. line off the catch, skied for rebounds on both ends, and muscled his way deep into the lane w/ his 225 lb. frame by utilizing a serviceable handle and good quicks.

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It certainly sounds like a gamble worth taking at the NBA draft. The Portsmouth Invitational continues, and there are sure to be some under-the-rader stars and this far too underrated tourney. 

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