2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Standouts

The 71st Annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament once again brought together some of the most promising college seniors from around the country, all eager to make a final impression on NBA scouts and executives ahead of the draft. Known for its rich history of uncovering hidden gems and future pros, this year’s tournament did not disappoint. With high-level competition, standout performances, and rising stock for numerous under-the-radar prospects, the 2025 edition delivered a thrilling showcase of talent. Here’s a look at some of the top standouts who made the most of their opportunity on the Portsmouth stage.

Steven Ashworth/ Creighton/6’1/ 170:  

Ashworth played well throughout PIT, showcasing his sharp shooting, toughness, I.Q. and playmaking skills. He impressed with his court vision, quick decision-making, and ability to guide the offense effectively. Ashworth also tied the PIT free throw record, going 13-13 from the line and averaged 15.7 points and 7.3 assists per game to help Jani-King capture the PIT Championship.

Tamar Bates/ Missouri/ 6’5/ 198:

The smooth shooting lefty delivered a high level performance at the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, earning All-Tournament honors. He averaged 16.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, highlighted by a 25-point, 5 rebound and 3 assists effort on 10-15 shooting, in the final game, tying for the game-high in scoring. Bates showcased his efficient shooting, his playmaking, which was very underrated coming in to PIT, and good all around defensive skills. Bates without a doubt should have strong consideration for an invite to participate in the Combine in the Chicago.

Moussa Cisse/ Memphis/ 7’0/ 225 (Above):  Cisse, showcased his elite athleticism and defensive prowess at the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. His high motor, shot-blocking ability, range defensively, rim running, rebounding and inside scoring, consistently impacted games at a high level. While he is raw offensively, specifically with his ball handling, mid range and free-throw shooting, he understands how to make himself a threat offensively through rim runs, offensive cutbacks, lob plays and rolling to the basket. Cisse had the third highest combine score at Portsmouth with a 65.5 score further cementing himself as a prospect NBA decision makers need to consider throughout the predraft process.

Johnell Davis/ Arkansas/ 6’4/ 206:

Davis impressed all week long with his ability to create his own shot and to score efficiently from midrange. Davis is great for getting to his sweet spots in the mid-range and making the opponent pay with a barrage of jumpers. Known for his physicality and versatility, Davis utilized his strength to defend bigger guards and wings, while proving to be a very good rebounder as a guard, pulling down 4 rebounds a game at PIT. While he possesses three-level scoring capabilities and defensive toughness, areas for improvement include refining his shot selection and being more consistent as a facilitator, to solidify his role at the next level.

Cesare Edwards/ Georgia State/ 6’10/ 235:

Cesare Edwards, a 6'10" forward from Georgia State, showcased a breakout season in 2024–25, averaging 16.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 43.5% from three-point range . His offensive versatility is complemented by his defensive prowess, evidenced by a 4.9% block rate and strong help-side instincts . Despite earlier underwhelming stints at Xavier and Missouri State, Edwards's recent performance at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament has elevated his profile as a promising stretch big in the 2025 NBA Draft class .

RJ Felton/ East Carolina/ 6’3/ 214: 

Felton, proved to be one of the most dynamic scorers at the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. The last player to get an invite…at the last minute, Felton didn’t waste any time proving he more than belonged, with his ability to score at all three levels and to get it done in critical moments. In his first game, he scored 22 points, including four three-pointers, and followed that up with a game-high 25 points in the next, demonstrating his scoring versatility and efficiency . Felton's performance, put together in large part by his dynamic ball-handling, high-efficiency shooting, and willingness to defend any and everyone, has no doubt significantly boosted his visibility among NBA decision makers. 

Zach Freemantle/ Xavier/ 6’9/ 227: 

The skilled forward displayed his interior and off ball scoring and rebounding prowess to help lead K&D Rounds to the championship game. Known for his strong, skilled interior play, Freemantle exceled, averaging 15 points and a little over 6 rebounds per game throughout PIT. Additionally, he was also effective at passing out of the post. Improvement with perimeter shooting and being able to become more versatile defensively are the next steps for Freemantle to elevate his game. Nonetheless, Freemantle was among the best at PIT.

Curtis Jones/ Iowa State/ 6’4/ 190: 

Shifty 6’4 guard, earned PIT All-Tournament honors, thanks to his explosive scoring ability, he averaged 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3 assists per game during PIT, while shooting an efficient 53.5 percent from the field and a ridiculous 55 percent from three-point range. His all around performance at the PIT, as well as being a valuable part in Jani-King capturing the PIT championship, proved why he should have high level consideration for a career at the next level.

Nelly Junior-Joseph/ New Mexico/ 6’10/ 245:

Known for his physicality and rebounding skills, Joseph was instrumental in Jani-King’s run to winning the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament championship. Averaging 17.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, which included a 24 points, 9 rebounds on 11-13 from the field performance in the championship game, Joseph left PIT as this year’s Most Valuable Player.  Joseph's impact extends beyond individual accolades; his presence in the paint and ability to control the boards, were x-factors for Jani-King, and is what separated him from the rest of the talented, experienced field participating at PIT. 

Sean Pedulla/ Mississippi/ 6’1/ 195: 

Sean Pedulla was arguably the top floor general at this year’s Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership. In the opening game, he posted 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, leading K&D Rounds to victory . Later in the tournament, he scored 22 points, including two crucial late baskets, to secure a 94–93 win over Portsmouth Partnership in a head to head match-up with Ace Baldwin out of Penn State. Pedulla's performance highlighted his ability to control the game, defend at a high level, lead and deliver under pressure, cemented his status as a top prospect in the tournament.

Wooga Poplar/ Villanova/ 6’5/ 196: 

Poplar’s dynamic scoring and next level athleticism was obvious to all of us in attendance, especially after a memorable performance of 31 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Roger Brown. Known for his explosive athleticism, offensive skills set and defensive tenacity, Poplar averaged 19 points and 5.3 rebounds per game throughout PIT. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a ideal prospect for NBA decision makers seeking a versatile two-way player.

Julian Reese/ Maryland/ 6’9/ 250: 

The former Maryland standout athleticism and defensive versatility was heavily on display at the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. Excelling as a rim runner, reliable post scorer, rebounder and perimeter defender, despite being slightly undersized for an NBA center and with a inconsistent perimeter shot, which shows signs of improving over time due to decent mechanics, he demonstrated improved instincts and the ability to guard multiple positions effectively. Reese averaged a double-double at PIT with averages of 13.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, solidifying himself as one of the top players at PIT.

Best of the Rest:

Ace Baldwin/ Penn State

Khalif Battle/ Gonzaga

Cam Carter/ LSU

Chucky Hepburn/ Louisville

AJ Hoggard/ Vanderbilt

Ty Johnson/ UC-Davis

Victor Lakhin/ Clemson

Bez Mbeng/ Yale

Kadin Shedrick/ Texas