The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, (PIT), is the only postseason camp restricted to college basketball seniors. The Portsmouth Invitational is the first of two NBA pre-draft camps, the other being the Orlando pre-draft camp. [1] The tournament typically begins the first or second Wednesday that follows the championship game of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. All games are played at Churchland High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. Admission to day games is free, while the night session is ticketed at the door. Discounted four-day passes are sold at the Portsmouth Visitor Center. 64 graduating seniors per year are invited to play in the tournament, divided into eight teams, each sponsored by a local business.
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The four-day tournament format consists of twelve games (each team plays three games) and has been held annually since 1953, excluding 2020 when the tournament was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. [2] The tournament is recognized by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and European scouts as a showcase for future professional players. [3] Approximately 200 NBA representatives attend the event, which is played under NBA rules and officiated by NBA and G League referees.
NBA players who are alumni of the Portsmouth Invitational include Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, John Stockton, Tim Hardaway, Ben Wallace, Avery Johnson, Jeremy Lin, Rick Barry, Dave Cowens, and Earl Monroe. [4]