Tag: Alabama Basketball

Portsmouth Invitational 2024 Day 2 Recap

Day 2 of the tournament featured impressive performances from Ray J Dennis, Aaron Estrada, Joel Soriano, Riley Minix, DJ Horne, Marcus Domask, and Sean East II. On the other hand, Isaiah Crawford, Kalib Boone, Max Fiedler, Jamarion Sharp, Drew Pember, and Quincy Olivari struggled. Roger Brown’s Squad stood out as the best team, impressing with their cohesive play.

Day 2 is complete. Now, I have gotten to see every player and team play. It gets more interesting from here on out.

Players That Impressed

Ray J Dennis Baylor 6’2 190 PG

Dennis had a nice bounce back game. Showed an ability to hit shots. Create for others and get in the lane. He’s not overly explosive as an athlete, but just finds a way to get it done. He had 24 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. He also made all four of his three point attempts.

Aaron Estrada Alabama 6’4 195 Combo

Once again Estrada played very well. He gets to wherever he wants on the court. Very good at penetrating the lane and also is unselfish and looks to dish it to others. Estrada has such a great feel in the two man game. He keeps the defender on his hip until the advantage is created to get to the rim or pass to the roll or pop man. Really enjoying watching him control the offense. Estrada dropped 30 points, five rebounds, five assists and made five three’s.

Joel Soriano St. John’s 6’11 250 C

Big Joel did his thing again. He has such good hands in the post. I also like when he posts up if he doesn’t like his position, he will pass it right back out (Jackie Moon Semi-Pro style). Once he does, he resets and gets deeper position burying his defender under the basket and receives the ball back with an even more advantage. His mid range fade has really impressed me as well.

Riley Minix Morehead State 6’7 240 F

Played 4 years at NAIA Southeastern University before going to D1. Minix has a solid thick frame. He showed his pro level skill very clearly…. The c/s three ball. He was 4-5 from three and finished with 16 points and five rebounds. I want to see if he continues this and even flashes some more things from his bag.

DJ Horne, Marcus Domask and Sean East II

They all had 18 points a piece. And all made big buckets to keep the distance throughout the game.

Roger Brown’s Squad

This is the best team here. I’ve been saying it since I’ve seen the rosters and they didn’t disappoint.

Boogie Ellis and Jahmir Young is an extremely tough 1-2 punch for any team to handle. Both guys made plays and got in the lane at will. Love the burst Jahmir has in the open court.

Branden Carlson. His stock is rising the fluidity at which he shoots the deep ball is amazing to watch. Its effortless. Modern day stretch 5. He could bulk up some, but that can always happen easier at the next level.

Players That Struggled

Isaiah Crawford, Kalib Boone, Max Fiedler. Held scoreless. I know its a tough environment to play and you can make an impact in other ways, but…. You gotta find a bucket.

Jamarion Sharp Ole Miss. 7’5 235 C

His lack of physicality is an issue. He gets pushed around way too easily. Struggles to get in position to get rebounds. Reactions just aren’t quick enough.

Drew Pember

Once again just five points. He only took two shots…….. Pember has to be more aggressive.

Quincy Olivari

After scoring 20 points and getting eight rebounds in his first game, he had just four points on 1-10 shooting.

Things I Enjoyed Today

Aaron Estrada control his teams offense. Even though they lost haha.

Joel Soriano’s mid range jumper.

Watching two ex Terps play. I’m a Maryland guy. I’ve been going to the PIT every year since 2017. There’s only been 3 Terps to play here in that time…. Fatts Russell, Donta Scott and Jahmir Young.

The Most Impressive Thing Today

Watching Roger Brown’s team play. Boogie and Jahmir run the show, but everyone was involved. They played like an actual team. Which is rare in this setting.

The Bier Garden in Olde Town Portsmouth

Portsmouth Invitational 2024 Day 1 Recap

PIT 2024 Day 1 Recap

The 70th annual Portsmouth Invitational has begun!!! The first two games were very sloppy to start. But, Hey thats to be expected when you are playing with new teammates, in a high school gym, in front of hundreds of executives from the NBA, to Italy, Germany,South Korea, Greece etc.

Players That Impressed

Tolu Smith III Miss. State 6’11 245 C

Smith is a very physical presence on the block. If he was in the paint he would physical make sure he moved you under the basket to get the closest finish possible. He ran the floor well and showed solid mobility overall. Being matched up against Joel Sopriano was a fun watch. Smith finished with 18 points and six rebounds.

Tristan Enaruna Cleveland St. 6’8 219 F

Enarauna showcased versatility on both ends. He has a solid pro ready body with some length. He knocked down a couple of three’s. Showed an ability to hit the mid range and can slash or play in the post. Tristan didn’t force anything, he just took what was given and and played an extremely efficient game. He also provided a nice highlight tip slam. https://twitter.com/PIT_Basketball/status/1780751379914486231

Courtesy of the official Portsmouth Invitational twitter handle @PIT_Basketball twitter

Tristan was the best NBA and pro prospect that played tonight. Yes, it was just one game….. That’s why I said tonight. He finished with 25 point, on 9-14 shooting, 2-4 from three, three rebounds and two blocks.

Tyler Burton Villanova 6’7 215 G/F

Burton struggled to get involved early, but found his footing in the second half. He showed versatility on both ends. He can initiate the offense or play off the ball. He’s a guy that does whatever his team needs him to. He also rebounds extremely well.

Aaron Estrada Alabama 6’4 195 Combo

Estrada showed an ability to lead an offense. He has a great feel in the 2 man game. Knows when to be patient and wait for the roll, or attack the defender. Solid ball handler with very good vision. Estrada was at his best when attacking on the fast break. He is very tough to stop from penetrating the lane and is a crafty left handed finisher around the rim. I’m a fan of his. He had 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Joel Soriano St. John’s 6’11 250 C

Big fan of Big Joel. He showed some offensive versatility today. We all know he can finish around the rim and in the paint. He also made a three today and it didn’t look bad. He only made seven his entire 5 year college career, BUT all seven were this year. He can definitely keep working on this and add this to his reportoire. Joel showed soft hand in the paint with nice touch as well. Knocked down a couple of mid range fades also. When he elevates his release is super high and tough to block. Big Joel had 28 points and twelve rebounds.

Jarod Lucas Nevada 6’4 195 SG

Lucas is a scorer. He can score at all three levels, but is more comfortable outside of the paint. Quick first step off the dribble. Likes the p/up jumper. Ball handling is ok. Very conssistent three point shooter. I want to see if he can defend at the next level. Also, can he consistently create for himself and others?

Eric Gaines UAB 6’2 160 PG

Gaines is a thin athletic playmaker. He is unselfish and knows how to run the show. He had 10 points, 10 assists and 4 rebounds. Anytime you have ten assists to three turnovers you’re doing you job. Especially in a showcase tournament.

Isaac Jones Washington St. 6’8 235 PF

Jones was all over the paint. He’s very physical and an explosive athlete. He will always finish with dunks. Very long arms. I want to see some more offensive versatility from him throughout the week.

Players That Struggled

AJ Hoggard Mich. State 6’3 215 Combo

Hoggard didn’t make an impact. In college he did a little bit of everything. This can be a tough setting to really stand out and show your skills. He finished with four points on 1-8 shooting.

Drew Pember UNC Ashville 6’11 225 F/C

Drew was 1-5 from three, with five rebounds. If he’s not making three’s at the next level can he add enough other value?

Tyson Walker Mich. State 6’0 175 PG

Much like his fellow Spartan he struggled to make an impact. Walker just didn’t take charge like I expected him to. He had six points, four rebounds and three assists……. But, lacked confidence or assertiveness.

Eric Dixon Villanova 6’8 260 PF

Dixon struggled shooting. He seemed way too content shooting three’s. And tough ones at that. He shot 3-11 overall and 0-5 from three. Dixon had 9 points, five rebounds and three assists. I would like to see him more assertive in the mid post.

Things I Enjoyed Today

Watching Tolu Smith III and Joel Soriano battle. Two of the more physical specimens here. And they went back and forth.

Tristan Enaruna’s versatility

Aaron Estrada running an offense

The Most Impressive Thing Today

How absolutely annoying Santiago Vescovi is on defense. I would hate to bring the ball up the court against him. Keep it up Santiago. Keep being annoying!