A long look at the Portsmouth Invitational pre-draft tourney, held April 8-11 in Virginia. Feel free to comment below.

Sunday, April 12

* Utah State forward Gary Wilkinson had to play his way into the draft in Portsmouth. He showed an array of post moves and power, scoring near the basket and pulling down rebounds at will. Is Wilkinson the next Carlos Boozer? Probably not. But after a finale in which he tallied 26 points and 11 rebounds -- and shot a remarkable 10 of 11 from the floor -- Wilkinson showed that he's more than just an everyday player from a mid-major program.

* Pro scouts also had to be impressed with what they saw from West Virginia guard Alex Ruoff. He's big (6-foot-6), can handle the ball and shoot, and played for a big-time coach in Bob Huggins. I'd certainly take a risk on the guy -- especially after seeing how he scored 21 points, passed for 10 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds in his final Portsmouth game.

* Georgia Tech guard Lewis Clinch also impressed, passing for 12 assists (to go with 10 points) on the final day.

* Again, expect Augusta State center Garret Siler to get a long look from the NBA, as the 7-footer displayed a nice shooting touch all three days. He scored 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting in the finale.

* Texas guard A.J. Abrams looked more and more like a poor man's T.J. Ford by the day, finishing the tournament with a 22-point, 9-assist effort. Like Ford, Abrams is from Texas and shorter than 6-0 (he's 5-11 on a good day).

* You also had to be impressed with Oklahoma forward Taylor (Brother of Blake) Griffin, who wrapped up the tourney by scoring 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting.

* Central Florida guard Jermaine Taylor, some people's pick for Portsmouth MVP, finished the tourney by scoring 13 points, but committing 5 turnovers. At any rate, Taylor is a scorer in the truest sense, and just might become this year's George Hill -- the San Antonio rookie from a smaller program who was a somewhat surprising first-round pick. Interestingly, Taylor and Hill share an agent (Michael Whitaker).

* Washington State guard Taylor Rochestie scored 12 points and passed for 8 assists in his final Portsmouth game.

* Meanwhjile, Rhode Island guard Jimmy Baron definitely caught the eye of scouts by scoring 33 points on the final day. Baron went 9-of-15 on three-pointers, and grabbed 5 rebounds and passed for 5 assists. Baron is the son of Rams coach Jim Baron -- and you can tell the kid is a coach's son. The younger Baron is very heady and fundamentally sound.

* Boston College guard Tyrese Rice appears to be another draft shoe-in, having scored 14 points with 9 assists in the finale. Like most BC alum, Rice also displayed toughness and a willingness to really defend.

* While N.C. State forward Courtney Fells had a miserable final game (2 points, 1-of-14 shooting) I really like the guy. He's athletic and plays smart. I'd definitely take a chance on him -- if not in the draft, at least in summer league.

* Missouri forward DeMarre Carroll proved to be a monster underneath, compiling 20 points and 16 rebounds in his finale. Again, the Nets should take a long look at this guy at some point.

* According to Draft Express, North Dakota State guard Ben Woodside displayed "that same excellent speed and change-of-pace ability" as he did in the NCAA tournament (and regular season). Woodside might have trouble getting off his shot in the NBA right away -- but a couple seasons in the D-League might serve him well.

* Marquette forward Wes Matthews looked as good in Portsmouth as he did for most of the regular season, showing that he just might make a decent NBA role player. Matthews' father of the same name spent several years in the NBA, including a few as Magic Johnson's backup with the Lakers.

* Washington forward Jon Brockman concluded a strong tourney with 11 points and 12 boards on the final day.

* Georgia Tech center Alade Aminu had the line of the day to lead his team to the championship, scoring 21 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and recording a whopping FIVE blocked shots. Aminu may not be any more than a "garbage player" in the pros, but those guys can be valuable. Heck, you can say that's all Charlotte's Emeka Okafor really is, and he's not too shabby.

Saturday, April 11

* Virginia Tech guard A.D. Vassallo has clearly been one of the steadiest, most efficient players in Portsmouth -- but it's still tough to get a read on his draft stock. One scout suggested he could become a decent pro, provided "he spends a couple years in the D-League first." Either way, look for Vassallo to be picked somewhere in the second round, probably in the middle at the latest.

* Santa Clara center John Bryant had a nice game with 12 points and 7 rebounds, and has been quietly effective the whole tournament. Keep an eye out for this kid.

* UAB guard Paul Delany is one player who's improved his stock considerably. Like so many players at Portsmouth, there's little flash to his game. But he's proving to be more than just a scorer (or guy looking to heave up shots to catch the eyes of scouts). Instead, he's been playing entirely within himself -- averaging 17 points in two games, scoring 20 in his first. In both games, he's had at least 5 rebounds (7 in the second). He also passed for 5 assists in his second game.

* Miami of Ohio guard Michael Bramos, whose praises I sang below, played much better in his second outing, hitting 5 of 8 shots (including 2 of 4 three-pointers) for 12 points. He also contributed three assists and three steals.

* I know, I know. The folks at Miami hate being called "Miami of Ohio." But it sure beats calling it "The Other Miami." Or calling the one in Florida "The U."

* I've also become a big fan of Clemson forward K.C. Rivers. He scored 17 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in his previous game, and if I had a mid-second round pick, I'm taking a chance on this guy.

* Nets president Rod Thorn said he's looking for a "moose" -- meaning a guy who sets picks, rebounds and basically adds muscle in the paint. Well, if that's the case, he may to take a look at St. Mary's forward Diamon Simpson, who's been a rebounding machine and guy willing to do all the dirty work.

* Actually, speaking of rebounding ... Washington forward Jon Brockman has been an absolute animal on the boards, grabbing 21 in his first game and 16 in his second. He's also averaging better than 17 points per game. If anyone has played his way into the draft, it's been this guy.

* And thanks to all the readers who corrected my mistake about Brockman's rebounding total in his first game. (I think I wrote he had 8.) Just keeping you on your toes.

* Xavier guard B.J. Raymond is another guy who deserves a long look. He buried 4 of 6 three-pointers, and shot 6 of 10 overall, for a team-high 16 points in his second game. Meanwhile, his Portsmouth teammate, Georgia Tech center Alade Aminu, finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

* As for my main man Al Fisher, he had another solid showing 11 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. As I mentioned below, Fisher is a point guard from Kent State, where I went to school. So that gives him automatic mention in every blog entry. You may not think it's fair, but hey, it's MY blog.

* Central Florida guard Jermaine Taylor was very good with 21 points and five rebounds, making 9 of 18 shots. BYU forward Lee Cummard also was strong with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. And let's not forget St. Joe's forward Ahmad Nivins, who was 8-of-11 shooting from the field foir 17 points. He also ripped down 11 rebounds.

* Texas guard A.J. Abrams, considered a possible first-round pick, finished with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in his second game.

Friday, April 10

A few more quick items:

* What a nice day from Jon Brockman, a 6-foot-7 forward from the University of Washington. He had 24 points and a whopping 21 rebounds and "played a solid floor game," according to one scout in attendance. I'll be interested to see how he fares the rest of the tourney, because his draft stock improved with just one game.

* The Orlando Magic may have been hoping Central Florida guard Jermaine Taylor would remain a secret, so they could put him on their summer league game. But the word is likely out since Taylor scored 30 points on Day Two. Taylor is a nice player who isn't necessarily a great shooter, but finds ways to score.

* Boston College guard Tyrese Rice improved his already-climbing draft stock with a fine effort: 14 points, 7 assists, and 4-of-7 shooting on three-pointers. Missouri forward Leo Lyons, Rice's teammate in Portsmouth, also gave a strong showing with 15 points and 7 rebounds.

* Watch out for Georgia Tech center Alade Aminu. He has proven to be active around the basket and could turn into one of those big, somewhat athletic energy guys on an NBA team near you. Aminu finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds in his first game.

* Xavier forward B.J. Raymond also had a nice first game with 19 points and seven boards. That included 4-of-5 shooting on 3-pointers. Finally, my man Al Fisher, the point guard from my alma mater (Kent State) had a very nice outing by running the team well, making 4-of-7 shots from the floor, and finishing with 12 points in 16 minutes.

* On a related note, Pro Basketball News will be bringing back its Minor League Tryout camp this summer, to be held in Akron, Ohio, in the late summer. A lot of guys in Portsmouth may be there. For very early tryout information, or tickets to watch the games, contact me at amico@probasketballnews.com.

* I'll much more from Portsmouth this weekend, so check back regularly.

Thursday, April 9

* I'll be honest, I didn't see most of the guys at Portsmouth play much in college, mostly because I was covering NBA games. But I did see some of them some of the time -- including Miami of Ohio swingman Michael Bramos and Kent State guard Al Fisher. In fact, they're the only two guys at Portsmouth I witnessed live this past season, as I attended a game at Kent between the two schools. And while I left impressed with both players (particularly Bramos), neither is NBA material. And that's OK. For the players in Portsmouth, this isn't ONLY about the NBA. A lot of these guys (most, in fact) are auditioning for roles in the D-League and Europe. And Bramos and Fisher both a real shot in places like those.

* Bramos was 2-of-7 from the field for 6 points in his first game. Not exactly numbers that will blow you away, but the kid is tough and simply finds ways to score. Plus, he was 2-of-4 on three-pointers.

* One of my favorite players in Portsmouth is Lee Cummard, a 6-foot-7 forward out of Brigham Young. I enjoyed watching him play in the three or four games I saw the Cougars, and I'm here to tell you this guy could indeed make it in the NBA. In fact, he just might slide into the first round of the draft. Cummard isn't a superstar, but he does a lot of different things well. He reminds me of a John Salmons-type. There's no flash, but Cummard is athletic enough and very skilled.

* Another prospect out of the Mountain West Conference to watch in Portsmouth: Wyoming guard Brandon Ewing. He is another player who didn't get enough credit but should be considered a sleeper. In his first game in Portsmouth, Ewing scored 13 points -- on 4-of-6 shooting -- in 19 minutes. He also tied for a team-high 6 assists (with West Virginia's Alex Ruoff).

* St. Mary's forward Diamon Simpson scored 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in his first game in Portsmouth.

* Keep an eye out for Illinois-Chicago center Scott VanderMeer. He's 7-0 and can get up and down the court without tripping over his own feet, which automatically makes him an NBA prospect. (Hey, don't laugh -- Pacers center Jeff Foster played at Texas State.) VanderMeer had 10 points and 11 rebounds in his first Portsmouth game.

* Other top Day One performers: Cal State Fullerton guard Josh Akognon (16 points, 6 assists, 4-of-5 on three-pointers); Virginia Tech guard A.D. Vassallo (21 points, 5 rebounds); Missouri forward DeMarre Carroll (18 points, 6 rebounds, 8-of-11 shooting); West Virginia guard Alex Ruoff (13 points, 6 assists, 4 steals); Utah State forward Gary Wilkinson (11 points, 9 rebounds); Augusta State center Garrett Siler (13 points, 8 rebounds); UAB guard Paul Delany (20 points, 5 rebounds); N.C. State forward Courtney Fells (19 points, 3-of-4 on threes); Washington State center Aron Baynes (8 points, 11 rebounds).

PORTSMOUTH ROSTERS

Cherry, Bekaert & Holland

Chris Johson, 6-11, C, LSU; Korvotney Barber, 6-7, F, Auburn; Josh Bostic, 6-5, F, Findlay; Jon Brockman, 6-7, F, Washington; Wes Matthews, 6-5, F, Marquette; Lorenzo Wade, 6-6, F, San Diego State; Kenny Hasbrouck, 6-3, G, Siena; Ben Woodside, 5-11, G, North Dakota State.

K&D Rounds Landscaping

Aron Baynes, 6-10, C, Washington State; Marcus Cousins, 6-11, F, Houston; Courtney Fells, 6-6, F, N.C. State; Tony Gaffney, 6-8, F, Massachusetts; Stefon Jackson, 6-5, F, UTEP; Jimmy Baron, 6-3, G, Rhode Island; Byron Eaton, 5-11, G, Oklahoma State; Ronald Steele, 6-1, G, Alabama.

Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Alade Aminu, 6-10, C, Georgia Tech; Bamba Fall, 7-1, C, SMU; Lawrence Kinnar, 6-8, F, UAB; Marcus Landry, 6-7, F, Wisconsin; B.J. Raymond, 6-6, F, Xavier; Al Fisher, 6-1, G, Kent State; David Holston, 5-8, G, Chicago State; Ryan Toolson, 6-4, G, Utah Valley.

Norfolk Sports Club

Russell Hicks, 7-0, C, Florida International; Connor Atchley, 6-10, F, Texas; Russell Hicks, 7-0, C, Florida International; Lee Cummard, 6-7, F, BYU; Lawrence Hill, 6-8, F, Stanford; Ahmad Nivins, 6-9, F, St. Joseph's' Wink Adams, 6-0, G, UNLV; Taylor Rochestie, 6-1, G, Washington State; Jermaine Taylor, 6-4, G, Central Florida.

Portsmouth Partnership

John Bryant, 6-10, C, Santa Clara; DeMarre Caroll, 6-8, F, Missouri; Geoff McDermott, 6-8, F, Providence; Josh Akognon, 5-11, G, Cal State Fullerton; Alonzo Gee, 6-6, G, Alabama; Aaron Jackson, 6-4, G, Duquesne; Robert Vaden, 6-5, G, UAB; A.D. Vassallo, 6-6, G, Virginia Tech.

Portsmouth Sports Club

Goran Suton, 6-10, C, Michigan State; Antonio Anders, 6-6, F, Memphis; Weyinmi Efejuku, 6-5, F, Providence; Taylor Griffin, 6-7, F, Oklahoma; Leo Lyons, 6-9, F, Missouri; Ben McCauley, 6-9, F, N.C. State; A.J. Abrams, 5-11, G, Texas; Tyrese Rice, 6-1, G, Boston College.

Sales Systems Ltd

Scott VanderMeer, 7-0, C, Illinois-Chicago; Michael Bramos, 6-5, F, Miami-Ohio; Josh Carter, 6-7, F, Texas A&M; Jonathan Cox, 6-8, F, Drake; K.C. Rivers, 6-6, F, Clemson; Diamon Simpson, 6-7, F, St. Mary's; Paul Delany, 6-2, G, UAB: Kyle McAlarney, 6-0, G, Notre Dame.

Tidewater Sealants

Garrett Siler, 7-0, C, Augusta State; Alfred Aboyo, 6-9, F, UCLA; Micah Downs, 6-8, F, Gonzaga; Gary Wilkinson, 6-9, F, Utah State; Lewis Clinch, 6-3, G, Georgia Tech; Brandon Ewing, 6-0, G, Wyoming; Alex Ruoff, 6-6, G, West Virginia; Chris Lowe, 6-0, G, Massachusetts.