Latest news with #PortsmouthInvitationalTournament
USA Today
26-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
East Carolina guard RJ Felton to attend predraft workout with Raptors
East Carolina guard RJ Felton to attend predraft workout with Raptors East Carolina senior RJ Felton is scheduled to work out with the Toronto Raptors, his management, Exclusive Athletes Agency, announced on Monday. Felton was an All-AAC first-team selection this past season, averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals on 37.6% shooting from 3-point range in 33 games. He ranked third in the conference in points (620) and fourth in 3-pointers (86). The 6-foot-3 guard leaves East Carolina ranked second in career field goals (630) and third in total scoring (1,774) and 3s (235) after four years with the program. His 620 points scored were the fourth-most by a Pirates player in a single season. Felton was among the prospects who competed at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament last month, emerging as one of the top performers after recording 22 points in one game. He was named Player of the Game for that performance on April 16. The soon-to-be 23-year-old has also had known predraft workouts with the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz. He will also have others scheduled before the draft on June 25-26. Felton is highly touted for his scoring and ability to make hustle plays. He had a productive college career and wants to continue that momentum into the predraft process.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Missouri guard Tamar Bates on the predraft process: 'It has been amazing and a blessing'
Missouri guard Tamar Bates on the predraft process: 'It has been amazing and a blessing' Tamar Bates believes playing for two years at Missouri has helped prepare him for his upcoming team workouts and interviews ahead of the 2025 NBA draft. Bates averaged 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and one assist on 39.7% shooting from 3-point range as a senior this past season. He led the country in free-throw percentage (94.6) and ranked second in the SEC in true-shooting percentage (64.3). The 6-foot-5 guard completed his third workout on Thursday with the Golden State Warriors. He has also visited the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz and is using one key philosophy instilled by Tigers coach Dennis Gates throughout the predraft process. "I think, simply put, my time at Missouri has prepared me for where I am now, based on a phrase Coach Gates said every day: 'Giving your very best,'" Bates said. "That is how I've carried myself throughout my time at Missouri and throughout this process. A lot of teams have taken notice of that, and it has helped me a lot, especially being able to play in all of the events that I have been able to throughout this predraft process." Bates was among the prospects who competed in the G League Elite Camp last week in Chicago, Illinois. He emerged as one of the top performers and earned an invitation to the combine, where he had a standout 19-point performance on May 15. The 22-year-old is considered a potential second-round pick because of his shooting, physicality in the backcourt and length. He measured in with a 6-foot, 10 3/4-inch wingspan at the combine, which should intrigue teams at the next level. Bates also dazzled last month at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. He has been among the early risers throughout the predraft process and is just grateful to have the opportunity to showcase himself in front of teams after four years in college. "It has been amazing and a blessing for sure," Bates said. "A lot of guys wish to be in this position, and even some of my peers and friends that I've played with are going to be here soon. ... You're going from city to city, you might be a little tired, a little sore, but I've been telling everybody that these are great problems to have just because this is a dream that we've all been trying to accomplish."
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: The latest projections after the early entry deadline
2025 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: The latest projections after the early entry deadline With the 2024-25 season winding down, teams around the NBA are hyper-focused on the upcoming draft class that features some potential franchise-changing prospects. The NBA announced on Tuesday that 106 players filed as early entry candidates, down from 195 last year. The decline directly stems from the rise of name, image and likeness (NIL), as players were afforded more earning potential by staying at the collegiate level. The predraft process tipped off last month with the top seniors in the country participating in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Virginia. Elsewhere, prospects are busy in the gym ahead of the draft combine and G League Elite Camp later this month. The draft board will become clearer in the coming days, with the lottery set to take place on May 12 in Chicago, Illinois. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets enter the festivities with the best odds of landing the No. 1 pick at 14%. Rookie Wire looked at the upcoming draft class following the early entry deadline and where things stand before the lottery and combine. The rankings will undoubtedly change, but it can be a productive exercise to see where players are now ahead of the draft on June 25-26. 1. Utah Jazz: Cooper Flagg, Duke Height: 6-9 Weight: 225 Year: Fr. Position: F After taking some time to decide, Flagg announced on April 21 that he was officially declaring for the draft following a tremendous freshman campaign with the Blue Devils. He was the Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks on 38.5% shooting from 3-point range. Flagg entered the season with tremendous expectations as the consensus top recruit in the class of 2024. He was highly touted as the likely top pick in the draft and lived up to the hype after becoming the face of the sport this past season. He likely was set on entering the draft regardless of how the season went, despite some debate about possibly returning to the program next year. The 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to former Duke legend and Hall of Famer Grant Hill because of his size, athleticism and ability to affect games in various ways. He is projected to be able to step in immediately and contribute at a high level in the NBA, making the draft lottery a must-watch for fans and teams with high odds. Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-10 2. Washington Wizards: Dylan Harper, Rutgers Height: 6-6 Weight: 220 Year: Fr. Position: G Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, four assists and 1.4 steals on 33.3% shooting from 3-point range en route to a third-team All-American honorable mention by the AP. He registered 20 20-point games, setting the Rutgers single-season scoring record by a freshman (564 points). He ranked third among all freshmen in the country in scoring. The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the top lead guards in the upcoming draft class. His size enables him to get to his spots and score from virtually all over the court and get to the free-throw line after averaging 5.8 attempts per game. He is viewed as the consensus No. 2 pick behind Flagg and projects to be a high-impact player at the next level. Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-10 3. Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Height: 6-5 Weight: 180 Year: Fr. Position: G Edgecombe was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals on 34% shooting from 3-point range in 33 games. He is viewed as one of the most athletic players in the draft class this year and was a force on offense at times, with his ability to create for himself and space the floor from beyond the arc. The 19-year-old dazzled last year with the Bahamas in the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament as the group narrowly missed advancing to Paris. On a team featuring Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon and Buddy Hield, Edgecombe finished third in scoring, averaging 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and two steals on 38.5% shooting from 3-point range. His range appears to be 3-5 at the moment. Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-14 4. New Orleans Pelicans: Ace Bailey, Rutgers Height: 6-10 Weight: 210 Year: Fr. Position: F Bailey was a third-team All-Big Ten selection, averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and one steal on 34.6% shooting from 3-point range. He had the second-most points by a true freshman in program history (527) and was sixth among all freshmen in the country after registering three 30-point performances with the Scarlet Knights. The 18-year-old is viewed as a top-five pick because of his size, scoring and instincts on both ends of the court. He can get his shot off in various ways in the paint and mid-range, and he proved to be a good cutter on offense. Bailey has an incredible feel for the game and can score from each level after emerging as a knockdown shooter off the catch or on the move. 5. Philadelphia 76ers: Derik Queen, Maryland Height: 6-10 Weight: 246 Year: Fr. Position: C Queen entered the season projected to be a late first-round pick, but after a historic freshman campaign, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year is now viewed as a high pick this year. He set the program scoring record by a freshman (594 points) after registering 12 20-point games and 15 double-doubles. He finished sixth in scoring average among Power Four freshmen. The 20-year-old is highly touted for his versatility on offense and ability to score in various ways. He is a tremendous competitor and showed throughout the year his ability to affect games on the defensive end, with his activity, instincts and size. After helping the Terrapins to their first Sweet 16 appearance in nearly a decade, Queen is a hot name this draft cycle. Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-6. It will be conveyed to the Thunder if it falls outside the top six. For more coverage on the 76ers, visit Sixers Wire 6. Brooklyn Nets: Tre Johnson, Texas Height: 6-6 Weight: 190 Year: Fr. Position: SG Johnson was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after averaging 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 33 games on 39.7% shooting from 3-point range. He scored in double figures in all but two games, becoming the sixth freshman in history to lead the SEC in scoring average. The 19-year-old dazzled on offense by creating for himself and hitting difficult shots on the move or with his patented step-backs and side-steps. He also boasts a reported 6-foot, 10-inch wingspan that should intrigue teams with his potential on both ends of the court. For more coverage on the Nets, visit Nets Wire 7. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke Height: 7-2 Weight: 250 Year: Fr. Position: C Maluach, born in South Sudan, was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team after averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field. He ranked sixth in the country in offensive rebound percentage (16.5) and 2-point percentage (75.4). The 18-year-old started playing basketball roughly seven years ago in Uganda. He joined the NBA Africa Academy in Senegal and has made a rapid rise because of his size and versatility as a player who can shoot and defend, with his reported 7-foot, 4 1/2-inch wingspan. 8. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Height: 6-4 Weight: 182 Year: Fr. Position: PG Fears put himself on the radar after an incredible start, becoming the first Sooners freshman since Trae Young to score in double figures in each of his first 15 games. He finished as one of three Power Four players to average at least 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and 1.5 steals. The 18-year-old dazzled throughout the year by getting into the paint and finishing at the rim, using his speed and ability to create for himself. He is also a player who can get to the free-throw line after ranking 10th in the country in attempts. Fears should have several suitors in the lottery. 9. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix): Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois Height: 6-6 Weight: 205 Year: Fr. Position: PG Jakučionis, born in Lithuania, led Illinois in scoring, tying the freshman record for total points in a season (494). He set the freshman program record with 10 20-point performances, including 24 points, six rebounds and five assists on Dec. 10 in a win over Wisconsin. The 18-year-old is projected to be a lottery pick this year, with his ability to score at all three levels, playmaking, vision and passing. Given his vast high-level experience, after previously playing with Barcelona, Jakučionis should hear his name called in this range on June 25. 10. Portland Trail Blazers: Kon Knueppel, Duke Height: 6-7 Weight: 217 Year: Fr. Position: F Knueppel, 19, was a second-team All-ACC selection after averaging 14.4 points, four rebounds, 2.7 assists and one steal in 39 games on 40.6% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked seventh in the country in free-throw percentage (91.4), eighth in offensive rating (133.7) and ninth in win shares (6.9). The 6-foot-7 forward is projected to be a lottery pick, with his shooting and ability to facilitate offenses. He ascended draft boards as the season progressed and was the MVP of the ACC tournament, averaging 21 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals. Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-14 11. Dallas Mavericks: Liam McNeeley, UConn Height: 6-7 Weight: 210 Year: Fr. Position: F McNeeley, 19, had a sensational freshman campaign with the Huskies, registering five 20-point games, including a career-high 38 points and 10 rebounds on Feb. 11. He joined Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant as the only freshmen in modern history with 35 points, 10 rebounds and five 3s in a road game. The Big East Freshman of the Year is considered a potential lottery pick, given his size, feel and physical playing style. He was inconsistent from beyond the arc, shooting 31.7% on 5.4 attempts per game, but he checks many other boxes that should be intriguing to teams in this range. 12. Chicago Bulls: Jase Richardson, Michigan State Height: 6-3 Weight: 185 Year: Fr. Position: G Richardson, the son of former 14-year veteran Jason Richardson, began the season in the second unit before moving into the starting lineup in early February. He elevated his play after the switch, averaging 16.1 points and 4.6 rebounds on 42% shooting from beyond the arc over the last 15 games. The 19-year-old proved to be a reliable guard who takes care of the ball, shoots well and can defend. He dazzled in the open court and has a great touch in the paint that enabled him to get to his floater or convert difficult finishes at the rim. His current range appears to be 8-16. 13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento): Egor Demin, BYU Height: 6-9 Weight: 190 Year: Fr. Position: G Demin was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team after averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He ranked third in the conference in assists after setting the freshman program record (180) and is one of four BYU freshmen with multiple 10-assist games. The Russian dazzled throughout the year with his ability as a playmaker and size at the point guard position. However, he shot just 27.3% from 3-point range on 4.3 attempts per game, and will need to show improvement in that area over the predraft process. Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-12. It will be conveyed to the Hawks if it falls outside the top 12. 14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta): Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina Height: 6-8 Weight: 245 Year: So. Position: F Murray-Boyles had a strong second year, finishing as the only player in a Power Four conference to average at least 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block on 50% shooting from the field (58.6). He led the SEC in field-goal percentage, ranking 21st nationally. The 19-year-old is projected to be a potential lottery pick, with his defensive intensity, post presence and ability to make plays for others. He also boasts a reported 7-foot, 2-inch wingspan that enables him to protect the rim and force turnovers, which should stand out to teams. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami): Nique Clifford, Colorado State Height: 6-6 Weight: 200 Year: Sr.+ Position: G Clifford took advantage of a larger role with the Rams, averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals on 37.7% shooting from 3-point range. He registered 15 double-doubles, including a 31-point, 13-rebound performance on Nov. 8. The 23-year-old established himself as a versatile player who can score, defend at a high level and playmake for others. Given his overall skill set and potential, he projects to be able to step in and impact games off the bench for a contender who can eventually develop into a starter. For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire 16. Orlando Magic: Carter Bryant, Arizona Height: 6-8 Weight: 225 Year: Fr. Position: G Bryant came off the bench for most of the season, averaging 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist on 37.1% shooting from 3-point range in 37 games. He is projected to be a mid-first-round pick, with his scoring potential, playmaking ability and defensive versatility. Bryant also proved to be a reliable floor spacer after connecting on at least two 3-pointers in 12 games. He is said to have declared for the draft while maintaining his college eligibility, so there is a chance he could return to Arizona, but if he has a strong showing in the predraft process, the 19-year-old could opt to turn pro. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit): Noa Essengue, ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Height: 6-8 Weight: 194 Year: N/A Position: F Essengue is considered a potential lottery pick, with his size and defensive versatility. He has a good interior game and has dazzled in the open court in fastbreak situations after creating turnovers with his length and instincts. The Frenchman had arguably his best performance of the season in his most recent game on April 21, finishing with 22 points and six rebounds. With ratiopharm Ulm gearing up for the playoffs, Essengue looks to be peaking at the right time. 18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis): Asa Newell, Georgia Height: 6-11 Weight: 220 Year: Fr. Position: F Newell became the first freshman to lead the Bulldogs in scoring (15.4 points) and rebounding (6.9) since Jumaine Jones in the 1997-98 season. He made a name for himself on the offensive glass throughout the season, ranking 20th in the country (110), with his mobility and relentless pursuit down low. He also proved to be a reliable scorer and can provide frontcourt size for teams drafting in this range. 19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee): Nolan Traoré, Saint-Quentin (France) Height: 6-4 Weight: 175 Year: N/A Position: PG Traoré, the younger brother of Lakers forward Armel Traoré, is projected to be a first-round pick, given his ability in transition to setting the table on offense in the half-court. He has had some inconsistent showings in the competitive French League, but he has the potential to be an elite playmaker at the next level, with his feel, instincts and passing. 20. Miami Heat (via Golden State): Will Riley, Illinois Height: 6-8 Weight: 195 Year: Fr. Position: G Riley was the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 43.2% shooting from the field in 35 appearances. He flourished by providing a scoring punch off the bench and proved he can score in various ways, with his array of dribble moves, jab steps and step-backs on the perimeter. Teams will want to see him improve as a shooter, after converting 32.6% on 4.1 attempts per game, but the Canadian should draw looks in this range based on his scoring potential. First Round: Nos. 21-25 21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota): Danny Wolf, Michigan 22. Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers): Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) 23. Indiana Pacers: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB 25. Orlando Magic (via Denver): Walter Clayton Jr., Florida First Round: Nos. 26-30 26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York): Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph's 27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston): Hugo González, Real Madrid (Spain) 28. Boston Celtics: Noah Penda, Le Mans (France) 29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland): Johni Broome, Auburn 30: LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City): Kam Jones, Marquette Second Round: Nos. 31-40 31. Minnesota (via Utah): Joan Beringer, Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia) 32. Boston (via Washington): Maxime Raynaud, Stanford 33. Charlotte: Alex Toohey, Sydney Kings (NBL) 34. Charlotte (via New Orleans): Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton 35. Philadelphia: Adou Thiero, Arkansas 36. Brooklyn: Ian Jackson, North Carolina 37. Detroit (via Toronto): Alex Condon, Florida 38. San Antonio: Bogoljub Marković, Tennessee 39: Toronto (via Portland): Sergio De Larrea, Valencia (Spain) 40. Washington (via Phoenix): Tyrese Proctor, Duke Second Round: Nos. 41-50 41. Golden State (via Miami): Milos Uzan, Houston 42. Sacramento (via Chicago): Chaz Lanier, Tennessee 43. Utah Jazz (via Dallas): Drake Powell, North Carolina 44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Atlanta): Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn 45. Chicago Bulls (via Sacramento): Labaron Philon, Alabama 46. Orlando: Darrion Williams, Texas Tech 47. Milwaukee (via Detroit): Izan Almansa, Perth Wildcats (NBL) 48. Memphis (via Cleveland): Michael Ruzic, Joventut (Spain) 49. Cleveland (via Milwaukee): John Tonje, Wisconsin 50. New York (via Memphis): Eric Dixon, Villanova Second Round: Nos. 51-59 51. LA Clippers (Minnesota): Miles Byrd, San Diego State 52. Phoenix (via Denver): Sion James, Duke 53. Utah (via Clippers): Koby Brea, Kentucky 54. Indiana: Dink Pate, Mexico City Capitanes (G League) 55. Lakers: Rocco Zikarsky, Brisbane Bullets (NBL) New York: Forfeited 56. Memphis (via Houston): Mouhamed Faye, Reggio Emilia (Italy) 57. Orlando (via Boston): Braden Smith, Purdue 58. Cleveland: Jamir Watkins, Florida State 59. Houston (via Oklahoma City): Vladislav Goldin, Michigan
USA Today
28-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nevada guard Kobe Sanders: 'I'm very versatile and a hard worker'
Nevada guard Kobe Sanders: 'I'm very versatile and a hard worker' After a productive five-year collegiate career, Nevada guard Kobe Sanders is looking to continue that success and make a name for himself ahead of the 2025 NBA draft. Sanders was an All-Mountain West third-team selection this past season, averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 34.2% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked fourth in the conference in assists (147) and sixth in points (523). The 6-foot-8 standout registered nine 20-point performances, including a season-high-tying 30 points, four rebounds and four assists on Feb. 22. He was one of four players in the Mountain West with multiple 30-point games last season. Sanders played the first four years of college at Cal Poly in the Big West Conference, committing to head coach John Smith out of Christian High School in El Cajon, California. He averaged 6.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists over his first three years, before making a big leap as a senior. The 22-year-old posted 19.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game during the 2023-24 season, earning All-Big West honorable mention honors. His 568 points ranked third-most in a single season in program history, while he had the second-most free throws (174). Despite a sensational season, the Mustangs went just 4-28, and the program cut ties with Smith after a 30-117 record in five years. Sanders then entered the transfer portal as one of the top available recruits, clearing the way for him to join head coach Steve Alford at Nevada. Sanders participated in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament as one of the top seniors in the country, averaging 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in two games. He was the Player of the Game on April 17 after erupting for 26 points and four rebounds. He is now busy preparing for the NBA draft alongside other prospects in Dallas, Texas. He is in the gym 3-4 times a day between the court and weight room, working on various elements of his game and body ahead of private team workouts. Rookie Wire recently caught up with Sanders to discuss his journey, making the jump to the Mountain West Conference, preparing for the upcoming draft and more. Note: This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. How are you adjusting to your new workout schedule? KS: The first week was rough. They put me to the test right away and tried to kill me because that's what's coming for me in the future. I'm just glad to have the people in my corner there to get me right. I've definitely seen improvement. The main focus for me is getting a little stronger, faster and some weight room aspects. I'm definitely seeing improvements there, and then obviously getting my conditioning back after taking a week off after the season. I'm definitely working. You made a big jump in scoring from your junior year to your senior year. What enabled you to make that big leap? KS: I definitely have to start by talking about the work. The work is always going to pay off, so putting in countless hours in the gym. I've been putting in work my whole life, so seeing that jump happen so drastically was definitely big for me. Then, obviously, roles change. I talked to my coach about taking the next step. He always preached my potential, and he was trying to tell me: 'Now is your time. It is no longer potential; it is now your time.' So definitely a lot of thanks to Coach Smith and him believing in me and pouring all he can into me. I feel like I was able to accept my role, learn from it and get better every day. How would you describe your journey to this point? KS: I started at Cal Poly, a smaller school, but coach saw a lot of potential in me and really put his faith in me. It was definitely a journey all four years, switching roles. I was just trying to be myself in every role. Then, in my last year, I kind of blossomed. It definitely wasn't the four years I was expecting or looking for, and there were definitely some rough times -- some very dark times -- losing all those games, looking myself in the mirror, trying to figure out what's wrong. Anywhere you play college basketball is really going to test how much you love the game, and just leaning on your why -- my family and brother. Leaning on that and persevering, I was able to have a good senior campaign even though I definitely wanted to get more wins. What lessons were you able to take from going through the adversity you faced there? KS: Any time you have adversity like that and you're able to overcome it and push through and still come out on top with all of your dignity, it's a good sign. I saw a lot of people who were in the same situation as me -- a lot of my closest friends were going in different directions -- and for me to come out on top really meant a lot to me. Any time you can go through adversity like that and still stick to you and don't waver from your progress and your daily routines. With all of those losses, it is hard to get up in the morning and say what you're doing is still the right thing. Seeing myself go through all of that adversity definitely tells me that I can go through anything. It is those dark times that you find out most about yourself. How important has it been to have your family in your corner through all of the ups and downs in your career? KS: They mean everything to me. For them to know that I can play at this high level, to be always pushing it and know that I can do it, it means a lot to show them. A lot of people do it for the haters and to do it to prove the haters wrong, but I'm just trying to do it to prove my family and everybody who believed in me right. How did playing for Nevada in the Mountain West help improve your game? KS: (It was) definitely higher competition from what I came from, just physicality wise. There were a lot of great players who played in that conference this year. To prove to a lot of people that I could do it at a higher level was a big thing. And then playing for Coach Alford and Coach (Craig) Neal, they taught me a lot. Both of them being players who played, know the landscape at the college level and know what it takes to get to the next level. Taking in small things every day and being an everyday guy around them helps a lot and helps me prepare for where I want to go now. What did it mean to you to be selected to the All-MWC third team? KS: It most definitely meant a lot. Anytime that I get recognized for anything, it is a blessing. Everybody wants to be first team, and I definitely wanted to be first team, but you got to take it with a grain of salt. I'm blessed to be in the position I am. I am blessed to even get the third team. I just take it as a chip on my shoulder that next time, I want to be on the first team. What was your experience like competing at Portsmouth? KS: I only go through this process once, and take every day as a blessing. I was trying to enjoy every moment of it, from taking our tests, being around such high-caliber guys and enjoying my time with them. Anytime I get to touch the basketball, it is a blessing. So going out there playing my game, doing what I love and being able to put on at a higher stage, in front of all those scouts, meant a lot to me. I was definitely blessed to do it. I think I showcased well and am excited about what will come next. How gratifying was it to have your 26-point game in front of all the scouts at Portsmouth? KS: It was definitely a gratifying moment. I just think that all the work is paying off. To see what happens at 6 a.m. when nobody sees it, and to be able to show it at 7 p.m. when everybody is watching, means a lot. To be able to do it at a higher stage, in front of all the scouts and all of those people, and to have my family be able to watch it was definitely a blessing. Do you feel like you've shown enough to earn an invitation to the G League Elite Camp or the draft combine? KS: Most definitely! That is, obviously, the next step, and I'm preparing that I do make it there. I'm just preparing every day and working every day, expecting to go to that. Whatever happens, it was a blessing and everything happens for a reason. If I'm blessed to make it into either one of those, I'll be ecstatic and ready to show my talents. You had one of the best pull-up shots in the country. How valuable is it to have that shot in your game? KS: At my height, being able to shoot over everybody, the mid-range game is free money. (There were) a lot of hours in the gym working on it at a young age. My dad and my trainers all told me, I'll be making a lot of money right here doing the simple stuff: 1-2 dribble pull-ups, being able to rise over people. So, just for my height, and being able to rise over anybody, it is a money shot. So, a lot of hours in the gym working on it, and I think it has paid off. What do you want NBA teams to know about you? KS: Kobe Sanders is a hard worker, and he is big into loyalty. I think I've shown in my career that I'm big into loyalty, and I'm going to pour as much into my teammates and an organization as they pour into me. That is a big thing about me, and a big thing that I was raised on is loyalty and pouring into others. I think I'm a good locker room guy, I'm very versatile and I'm a hard worker. I'm going to come into work every day and be Kobe.
Indianapolis Star
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Patrick McCaffery's time at Portsmouth Invitational cut short, but valuable for pro career
Butler forward Patrick McCaffery 's time at the 71st annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament was cut short due to a concussion, but the sharpshooter hopes he did enough on and off the court to catch the eyes of pro scouts. McCaffery played for Mike Duman, Inc. and competed in the first two games of the tournament last week at Churchland High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. The Portsmouth Invitational is a pre-NBA combine tournament started in 1953 where international and NBA scouts can evaluate some of the top seniors in college basketball. McCaffery scored 10 points on 3-for-7 shooting, going 1 for 3 from 3, with six rebounds and one assist in his first game. In his second game the following day, McCaffery took a hard foul on a drive to the basket and hit his head on the court, suffering a concussion. He finished with three points (1 for 5 on 3s), four rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes. "My overall experience was definitely great," McCaffery said. "It was a really cool event, a really cool field. ... A field they were saying was one of the best in that tournament in the last several years. Got to meet with NBA teams, that was a cool experience. ... (Teams) could learn more about me and I could learn more about them.' Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. McCaffery said he had formal meetings with three to four NBA teams and informal meetings with several others. McCaffery and fellow Butler forward Jahmyl Telfort competed in a field of 64 players split into eight teams. McCaffery's team played Telfort's team on the final day of the tournament. McCaffery didn't play, but Telfort helped lead his team to a 106-85 win. Telfort finished with 19 points, six rebounds and eight assists. McCaffery played 158 games during his six-year career. There isn't much he hasn't done on a basketball court, but the son of longtime Iowa coach and first-year Penn coach Fran McCaffery, relishes every opportunity to show his skills. "I just wanted to show that I'm a good basketball player and that I can play with all sorts of players in any kind of system and contribute to winning basketball," McCaffery said. "Unfortunately, my time got cut short, but I do think I was able to show certain things and put forth a good showing for myself." McCaffery is in Chicago preparing for the NBA Draft. He works out daily at Hope Academy with his agent, former Notre Dame guard, Kyle McAlarney and a group of NBA hopefuls including former UConn forward Alex Karaban and former Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner. Playing at Butler, Indianapolis became a second home of sorts for the Iowa City native. His older brother Connor is entering his second season as an assistant coach under Thad Matta, and his younger brother, Jack, is an incoming freshman forward. McCaffery said he had a chance to grow as a person and learn more about life outside of Iowa. "Butler was the first time I went by myself and did my own thing," he said. "That was really important for my life moving forward. ... Figuring out new dynamics, having fun and building new relationships. I think I really accomplished that. To be independent, play in a new conference, play against new teams, play in a new style, in a new system, it was great for me, and I learned a lot about myself and what's good for me. Overall, I just really enjoyed my time at Butler."
