With the college basketball season over and the NBA Draft less than three months away, all pro prospects are looking to get a leg up any way they can. Texas Southern’s Aaric Murray, Tennessee State’s Patrick Miller and Morgan State’s Ian Chiles will get their chance to shine at the Portsmouth Invitational this week.
“@PITourney: Ian Chiles @MorganStBears has accepted an invitation to play in the #2014PITourney replacing Talib Zanna #Pitt” @HBCUGameday
– Tiffani Sykes (@SugarSpiceSport) April 15, 2014
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Chiles averaged 15.6 points and 3 blocks per game, helping Morgan State march to the MEAC Championship Game. Murray led Texas Southern to the NCAA Tournament while leading the SWAC in scoring. Miller was a first-team Ohio Valley Conference selection. (Coincidentally, all three were honored in The Earlys.)
The Portsmouth Invitational has traditionally been a great way for small school prospects to shine for pro scouts. Orlando Magic forward Kyle O’Quinn used the PIT to build off the buzz he had coming off a MEAC Player of The Year season and Norfolk State’s upset over Missouri to help him get drafted in the second round of the 2012 draft.
We’ll keep you posted on how this affects the players draft stock.