Jenkins invited to showcase talents in Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
Tennessee Tech's Willie Jenkins has been selected to play against some of the top collegiate basketball players in the country this week, as he has been invited to play Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Portsmouth, Va.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.--Tennessee Tech's Willie Jenkins has been
selected to play against some of the top collegiate basketball
players in the country this week, as he has been invited to play
Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Portsmouth, Va.
In its 53rd year of existence, the mission of the tournament is to
provide exciting basketball, give players an opportunity to be
evaluated by the NBA, and to provide PIT scholarships to six high
school student athletes.
This year's tournament runs from April 6-9 at Churchland High
School in Portsmouth. The tournament consists of a four-day,
eleven game format, featuring the top 64 college seniors in the
country playing on eight teams of eight players.
"We're really excited for Willie," said TTU head coach Mike
Sutton. "This is a great opportunity, and it's attributed to
his hard work, and our success as a team."
"He will have the opportunity to be evaluated by NBA scouts and
scouts from overseas."
The PIT is the only post-season event prior to Chicago's pre-draft
camp. Approximately 200 NBA representatives will be in
attendance. In 2004, NBA-TV televised the final three games
of the tournament. The tournament has featured past NBA
greats Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, Ricky Barry, and John
Lucas.
Jenkins' first game will be at 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Also
invited to the tournament is Kentucky's Chuck Hayes, who was
matched up against Jenkins during their regular season game at Rupp
Arena in November. Sutton has coached both players in their
collegiate careers.
The 6-6 forward from Memphis becomes the first TTU player invited
to play in the Tournament since Van Usher following the 1991-92
season. He helped lead TTU to its third regular season OVC
title in the last five seasons, earning several
accolades.
After being named the OVC Pre-season Player of the Year, he earned
Player of the Year honors after averaging nearly 20 points and
seven rebounds per game. He was also named NABC First Team
All-District, and AP Honorable Mention.
For more information on the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament,
visit www.portsmouthinvitational.com.
