Top college basketball players head to Portsmouth Invitational Tournament

Posted: Apr 16, 2019 / 05:23 PM EDT

Updated: Apr 16, 2019 / 06:16 PM EDT

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – For the 67th year, the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) has invited 64 of the best college basketball players (seniors) from across the nation to participate in a four-day, twelve game tournament in front of scouts, general managers, and representatives from all 30 NBA teams.

Chairman of PIT, Mahlon Parker, participated in the first tournament back in 1953. He says the success of the program speaks for itself.

“16 out of our 64 last year are in the NBA. All 64 players are playing professional this year that played here last year. So we’ve got a lot to offer the players and we’ve got a lot to offer the people that come out and watch,” said Parker.

In addition, PIT contributes back to the community by awarding seven $4000 scholarships to student athletes from Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. In addition to the scholarships, approximately $11,500 from the tournament proceeds is presented to local non-profit organizations and charities to help them make a difference in the local community.

The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament begins Thursday, April 18 and ends on Saturday at the Churchland High School Sports Complex. Tickets starts at $12 for each day.