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.
