2026 Portsmouth Invitational: Evaluating the Top NBA prospects

Melvin Council Jr. averaged 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks on 44.8 FG% and 33.3 3P%

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 31: Tobi Lawal #1 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts after scoring a basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of the game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Tobi Lawal, Virginia Tech, F

Tobi Lawal was one of the most physically impressive players at PIT. His 40.5-inch vertical, 6-8 frame, and 6-11 wingspan evoke former PIT alum and Cavaliers forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin. The Englishman is an athletic freak who played with real confidence throughout the week. He dunked everything in sight and made his defensive presence felt on the other end, showing the versatility and motor that NBA teams covet in modern forwards. He appeared in standout lists in multiple games across the tournament. His outside shot remains the defining question, as it has been throughout his college career, and there were no significant flashes of it at PIT. But his athleticism, length and two-way activity are tools that do not need a shooting touch attached to be immediately valuable.

Tobi Lawal averaged 11.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, and 2.7 blocks on 48.3 FG% and 14.0 3P%

West All-Stars North Carolina State Quadir Copeland (14) laughs while watching a teammate shoot free-throws on Friday, April 3, 2026, during the Reese's DI College All-Stars game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Quadir Copeland, NC State, G/F

A tall, versatile playmaker with great size and an 8-foot-7.5 standing reach, Copeland showed off his shooting range and kept the offense flowing as a secondary initiator throughout the week. He was relentless at his best, competing on every single possession in a losing effort during Day 4 and refusing to let the game get away without a fight. In another standout performance, he racked up 10 assists as the most determined connector on the floor, showing the passing instincts and feel for the game that someone will eventually reward with a contract. Copeland should translate to a smart, switchable, second-round target who can make a team better. Nobody knows exactly what position he guards (or will play) in the NBA yet, but someone will give him the chance to figure it out.

Quadir Copeland averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks on 48.0 FG% and 33.3 3P%

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Miami (FL) Hurricanes guard Tre Donaldson (3) reacts after a play against the Missouri Tigers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Tre Donaldson, Miami (FL), G

Tre Donaldson was one of the most enjoyable and reliable guards to watch all week and remains one of the favorite guards at this year's PIT. He led his team with 15 points and 3 steals in a standout Day 3 performance, competing every second he was on the floor. Donaldson plays with the kind of energy that coaches recognize immediately: he pressures ball handlers, gets downhill in transition, moves the ball with purpose and never forces the issue. His facilitating ability is real, as he is a guard who understands how to run an offense without needing to dominate it. He is a two-way guard in the most genuine sense, the kind who goes both directions and does not shut it down defensively when the offense stalls. If he earns a G League Elite Camp invite and performs at the same level, expect Donaldson to force his way into an NBA Draft Combine.

Tre Donaldson averaged 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 steals on 45.2 FG% and 14.3 3P%

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Miami (FL) Hurricanes center Ernest Udeh Jr. (8) and Miami (FL) Hurricanes guard Tre Donaldson (3) react after a play during the first half against the Missouri Tigers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Ernest Udeh Jr., Miami (FL), C

Ernest Udeh Jr. showed up to Portsmouth with an NBA-ready frame and spent the week reminding everyone why that label actually means something. A rim-running enforcer in the paint, he pulled down nine boards in one game, altered shots all week and made his presence felt every time he checked in. He switched onto fours and fives, flashing the lateral quickness and length to work as a drop-coverage anchor at the next level. He's not a perimeter threat and he doesn't need to be since his value lives on the glass, at the rim and as a defensive deterrent. He delivered in all three areas across his three games in Portsmouth.

Ernest Udeh Jr. averaged 6.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks on 63.6 FG%

SECOND TEAM

Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) leaves the court as the seconds count down in a NCAA Tournament game against the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. Purdue fell to Arizona 79-64.

Trey Kaufmann-Renn, Purdue, C

Trey Kaufmann-Renn was one of the more complete big men at PIT, a versatile frontcourt presence who impacted the game on both ends. He scored, rebounded and facilitated in his Day 1 performance and never let up from there. His shooting touch and potential ability to stretch the floor give him a modern big projection, and his 51.6 FG% across three games reflects a player who takes smart shots and does not force the issue. He is an odd positional fit for some rosters, a tweener big whose combination of size and skill does not slot cleanly into one mold. But versatile bigs who can contribute across multiple areas always find their way into NBA conversations and Kaufmann-Renn showed enough at PIT to earn further pre-draft looks heading into G League Elite Camp.

Trey Kaufmann-Renn averaged 14.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks on 51.6 FG% and 20.0 3P%

Mar 22, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Malik Reneau (5) celebrates with Miami Hurricanes center Ernest Udeh Jr. (8) after a play during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Malik Reneau, Miami (FL), F/C

All week at PIT, he attacked the paint, drew contact and converted at the line with the efficiency of a player who has figured out how to maximize every possession. His motor was relentless, and he consistently took advantage of his size against opposing defenses while keeping his foul trouble in check. The measurement concerns are real, though. His wingspan falls short of what scouts typically want to see projected for a four or five at the NBA level, and his overall movement reads more tweener than true modern stretch big. He was basically playing second center at times in college and there are legitimate questions about how that translates against longer, more athletic competition. But what he lacks in prototype dimensions, he makes up for in productivity and feel. If he lands in the right system with low-usage, quality touches, Reneau can contribute as a microwave energy vig.

Malik Reneau averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks on 66.7 FG% and 25.0 3P%

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Nimari Burnett #4 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Nimari Burnett, Michigan, Swingman

Nimari Burnett was quietly one of the most impressive players at PIT, a knockdown shooter who buried three threes in one game, swatted two shots in the same contest and brought consistent energy. His wingspan is a major selling point, and his ability to clean up the glass on both ends while flashing interior finishing gives him a multi-tool skillset that fits right into how modern NBA rosters are built. He showed some shooting range and a real feel for the game off the ball, relocating and doing the right things even when the shots were not falling. NBA teams love players with this profile: long, switchable and versatile enough to slot into any system without disrupting spacing or defensive rotations. If the perimeter shooting translates to the next level, Burnett could develop into a reliable rotation piece on a winning team.

Nimari Burnett averaged 13.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks on 47.1 FG% and 40.0 3P%

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) dribbles the ball against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Kylan Boswell, Illinois, G

Kylan Boswell did not always have his shot at PIT, but he never stopped orchestrating. A floor general with a wide, compact frame that practically clogs the lane just by existing, Boswell controlled games with his vision and pace even when the jumper was not cooperating. He operated as a reliable facilitator, keeping the offense moving and making the right decisions under pressure throughout the week. His Day 4 performance, where he controlled the entire game from start to finish, was a reminder that impact does not always show up in a box score. The two-way potential is there if the shot tightens up.

Kylan Boswell averaged 11.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 10.3 apg, 3.0 spg, 42.9 FG%, 10.0 3P%

Feb 10, 2026; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Chase Ross (2) controls the ball against the Villanova Wildcats in the second half at William B. Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Chase Ross, Marquette, Swingman

A Swiss Army knife who made every play his team needed at every moment, Ross facilitated, got downhill into the paint and generated turnovers all week, finishing as one of the more complete performers in the field. He took care of the ball and did not try to do too much. If invited, a strong G-League Elite Camp performance could put him in front of the right decision-makers at just the right time.

Chase Ross averaged 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks on 58.3 FG% and 16.7 3P%

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Xaivian Lee (1) celebrates after a play against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Xaivian Lee, Florida, G

Xaivian Lee was one of the tournament's top scorers and brought real offensive punch throughout the week. He can score in a hurry, hunting open looks and getting to his spots with blazing quick speed and agility that makes him productive in short bursts. He did a decent jump on the perimeter being pesky, showing that his defensive motor is not just an afterthought. At his size, he needs to show more as a facilitator and prove he can guard enough positions to earn consistent playing time, but the scoring instincts and activity level are things you cannot manufacture.

Xaivian Lee averaged 16.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 steals on 47.6 FG% and 33.3 3P%

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 12: AJ Storr #2 of the Ole Miss Rebels reacts during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second round of the 2026 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 12, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

AJ Storr, Ole Miss, Swingman

AJ Storr was at times the most dangerous shooter in the building when he was locked in. His combination of scoring ability and board work makes him a potential swing piece. When the shot is falling, Storr is a problem. The question is whether his off-ball defensive activity and consistency can match his offensive upside.

AJ Storr averaged 19.0 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals on 54.8 FG% and 33.3 3P%

North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) drives to the basket Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Seth Trimble, UNC, G

Seth Trimble was the heart and engine of his team for stretches at PIT. Shifty with good athleticism, posted a 40.5-inch vertical, he found ways to score and create and served as a connective piece who stuffed the stat sheet without putting up one big flashy number.

Seth Trimble averaged 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 steals on 54.5 FG% and 33.3 3P%

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 24: Tre Carroll #12 of the Xavier Musketeers reacts during the second half against the St. John's Red Storm at Cintas Center on January 24, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

Tre Carroll, Xavier, F

Tre Carroll was the hustler who made offenses hum. A thick, physical forward who hustles non-stop and finishes above the rim, Carroll was a jack-of-all-trades guy throughout the week, shooting it well from the perimeter and guarding players around his size with energy and physicality. His combination of blue-collar hustle, size and scoring instincts makes him a legitimate NBA prospect.

Tre Carroll averaged 15.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.3 steals on 43.2 FG% and 33.3 3P%

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 20: Mark Mitchell #25 of the Missouri Tigers and Shelton Henderson #7 of the Miami (FL) Hurricanes battle for position during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Mark Mitchell, Mizzou, F

Former five-star recruit Mark Mitchell owned the glass, made winning plays all week, stayed aggressive and brought the kind of interior physicality and competitive edge that you want from an energy big. Will play as a microwave that hustles on both ends. Not a shooting threat but has a motor that keeps trying to find ways to win. He guarded inside-out and contributed across multiple areas on both ends of the floor as he competed for every possession without needing to be reminded. Mizzou fans have always loved him for good reason, and his PIT performances gave the broader audience a clear picture of why.

Mark Mitchell averaged 11.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 steals on 46.2 FG% and 16.7 3P%

You can follow Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo) on X, formerly known as Twitter, or Blue Sky.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: 2026 Portsmouth Invitational: Evaluating the Top NBA prospects