Tag: Garrison Brooks

Portsmouth Invitational Day 2 Notes

Day 2 Notes From the PIT

Day 2 was fun. It was the first full day of three games. The last one was entertaining going to double overtime.

Side note… If you have ever attended the PIT or any basketball event that features bleacher seats….. Embrace the grind baby! It’s part of the charm of the PIT.

Double side note….. I learned after the first couple days years ago. Always pick a back seat at the top up against the wall, but you’ll have to fight me for it.

I just wanted to highlight a few things I really enjoyed watching today, a few players that struggled and a few things I found intriguing.

Things I enjoyed

Terrell Brown Jr. provided the most dominant performance so far. He penetrated the lane at will. His quickness and physicality allowed him to get by the defender and shield him off consistently. Loved the way he played today. Flat out bucket getter. He had 23 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. While shooting 8-13 from the field. Basketball is an easy game when no one can stop you from getting easy shots….. Touche Mr. (What Can Brown Do For You) Brown. Also, UPS I’m here for an NIL deal or whatever, ad space, who cares, you’re welcome for the free ad from the 5 people that will see this.

Jamal Cain had a solid day. He struggled to make an impact the first day, but showed an ability to knockdown open 3’s and m/r jumpers. Cain has good size. Despite his slender build, he seeks contact in the lane. He has some toughness to him.

The overall athleticism from Quenton Jackson and Anthony Duruji. Jackson is intoxicating to watch as an athlete. Full throttle at all times. Duruji was much the same. Bigger and just as explosive. Even though he had several goaltends, some of those would’ve been legal in Europe.

Players That Struggled

Darryl Morsell struggled shooting today. That is the main concern with him. Can he consistently make the perimeter shot. Not so much m/r, but perimeter.

Jimmy Boeheim‘s shooting. If he’s not making shots what is he offering on offense. Yes, he had rebounds today, but that can be inflated in this type of setting.

Payton Willis is really struggling to create his offense. He isn’t getting separation at all.

Trent Frazier struggled to knock down his shots he normally makes.

Things I Found Intriguing

The matchup between Garrison Brooks and Nate Watson. Watson dominated Brooks in the paint in 1v1 situations. Watson is the biggest man here. He out physicals everyone. Once Brooks went up against a different big he went back to scoring and doing his thing. I just found this interesting. Watson went to his wheelhouse and Brooks had no answer. If Brooks is struggling with his jumper against bigger defenders. he may not be able to out muscle bigger bigs.

Cole Swider’s versatility. He showed an ability to attack off the dribble and draw fouls. He struggled shooting the 3, but has proven that in his career. He’s a better athlete than he looks also.

Gaige Prim’s old school hooks in the paint. Now….. he didn’t make them, but you could see he can.

JD Notae didn’t play today.

Hopefully Rocky Kreuser’s shoulder is fine.

Portsmouth Invitational Day 1 Notes

Day 1 Notes From The Portsmouth Invitational

PIT WE BACK!!!

Following two straight cancellations. We are finally getting another PIT. This is by far my favorite even of the year. I love how it’s a showcase for seniors that may be “under the radar” or not “top” prospects for the NBA. A few of these guys may be drafted. But……. All of theses guys will be playing pro basketball at some level next year if they chose to do so. It’s the ultimate job interview.

I just want to highlight some players that stood out to me good or bad in the first day of the PIT.

Good

Jared Rhoden 6’6 210 G/F From Seton Hall

Rhoden played very well. Made some tough shots in iso situations. Showed a nice m/r jumper and also an ability to attack off the dribble. Love his body and size also.

Keve Aluma 6’8 235 PF From Virginia Tech

Aluma showed versatility as a scorer. He can hit the p/pop jumper from 3 and the m/r. He also showed the ability to score in the post with his r/hook. On defense he showed solid lateral movement as well.

Fatts bringing the ball up the court

Fatts Russell 5’11 165 PG From Maryland

Russell showed how he can be very dangerous when attacking the lane under control. He kicked out to open shooters countless times. He was also hitting his 3pt shots as well. When Russell finds the balance of when to pass and when to score he is a solid athletic PG. Now he still loves to gamble on defense, but thats just in his DNA.

JD Notae 6’2 190 G From Arkansas

Notae is electric. He can be erratic at times, but tonight he attacked off the dribble more often that shooting deep 3’s. He got to the rim often and creates space very well off the dribble. I look forward to what else he can do the next few days.

Garrison Brooks 6’9 230 PF From Mississippi State

Brooks dominated in the mid to deep post. He has a solid jump shot. Despite the fact his arc almost touches the ceiling of the gym its intoxicating to watch. Brooks showed the ability to hit the m/r jumper and showcased his much improved 3pt range. Physically he is tough as well on offense and defense. He was definitely one of the most impressive standouts.

Bad

The first few minutes of the first game were rough. Tons of turnovers. Missed shots, air balls etc. It’s expected, but thankfully it got better.

The amount of times players stepped out of bounds looking to pump fake a 3 then drive.

Make your ft’s.

Interesting things I liked

Lucas Williamson having a bad first half shooting, then finding a way to make an impact on defense and as a facilitator in the second half.

Trevor Hudgins D2 PG Legend vs R.J. Cole Former Howard University player that transferred up to UCONN. Both has similar games and styles. And their both lefties. They both also have been overlooked. For Cole not too long, but Hudgins his whole career. Well guess what… Cole had 5 pts, 3 assists and 4 turnovers. Hudgins had 11 pts, 3 assists and 1 turnover.

Darryl Morsell picking up Fatts Russell full court. Being a resident of Maryland and watching both of these players a lot in my career I just found this battle very fun to watch. Two tough minded competitors not giving an inch to each other.

Jordan Usher and Nysier Brooks being great teammates. They talked and cheered while on the bench constantly. I loved it.

Koby McEwen’s quick hands on defense.

Quenton Jackson’s explosiveness. Sometimes it was good, sometimes a little much. But, it made an impression for sure.

The passing of Grant Golden and Tommy Kuhse. I love an unselfish player that understands WHEN to pass a ball without forcing.

Well here we go. Day two is coming soon!