JB: PIT MVPJamar Butler has probably locked up an invite to the NBA's pre-draft camp in Orlando after a strong showing in this weekend's Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Butler earned tournament MVP honors leading his Tidewater Sealants squad to the PIT championship with 18 points (7/16 FG, 4/9 3FG) and 5 assists against 0 turnovers in the title game.
In the semi-final, Butler recorded 15 points (7/13) and 2 assists with 0 turnovers in 19 minutes. Draft Express noted Butler drove the lane more than expected finishing with various pull ups and runners.
Othello Hunter wrapped up his tournament with a 12 point, 13 rebound effort in Saturday's consolation game.
Hunter opened some eyes averaging 12 rebounds and 15.7 points on 68% shooting (19/28) in three games. Draft Express thinks what we think - Hunter's not gonna be drafted because he's so raw but teams should keep him on the radar. Assuming he can polish his game overseas or in the D-League, he could crack a roster in a few years. As we know, he's got the athleticism to play in the NBA.
In other news, Thad Matta continues to look for help JUCO help. After offering a scholarship to wing Devan Dumes last week, Matta has now offered a scholly to 6'9" forward Josh Harrellson.
As DTI notes, Harrellson originally signed an LOI to play at Western Illinois but several issues led him to go the JUCO route where he averaged 15 and 8 last season.
Numerous schools including Kentucky and Indiana are pursuing Harrellson while the Buckeyes are said to have been scouting the front liner since last December. I can only assume Matta's increased push is an indicator that Koufos has informed the coaches he plans to bolt for the pros so playing time for Harrellson would be just as likely in Columbus as in Bloomington or Lexington or St. Louis.
Comments
the authors of that PIT wrapup article sound less than pleased with Butler's MVP nod.
It's good to see Buckeye basketball relevant, though. For those of us who became Buckeyes under the nadir of the O'Brien days, who knew?
Good for Jamar. I hope he gets a shot. I think Hunter might eventually get to the NBA if he continues to develop and work on consistency. We've seen flashes of what he could be.
"In other news, Thad Matta’s continues to look for help JUCO help."
Nice grammar.
You gotta wonder if Butler won't just be able to stick on an NBA team. He has the skills, but at that level, everyone has skills.
Person...I updated my jacked up sentence just for you! Thanks for pointing out.
Gotta always watch out for the grammar police. :)
http://www.darkervision.com/Gr...
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[...] whether Koustos Koufos will bolt to play for money, either in the NBA or in Greece. Eleven Warriors speculates that recruiting developments may indicate Koufos’ departure is more likely than not. In other developments, [...]
[...] Butler will have to go the free agent tryout route in an effort to land in the league. Butler was named MVP of the Portsmouth camp but had to pull out of the Orlando pre-draft camp after pulling a hammy [...]