The 2026 PIT Diaries: Day One Recap
Jam Hines and Stephen Gillaspie recap Day One of the 2026 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament!
Stephen: Portsmouth is a special time of the draft cycle. Sickos from all over gather into a high school gym in Portsmouth, Virginia, with one common interest: watching upperclassmen fight their way into the NBA. The college basketball season is just a portion of their journey to the league—this is their next stop. Of course, it’s always nice to come to this event. People are excited to watch hoops, but they are also excited to connect. The PIT is really the last true jewel of an event that doesn’t feel like an event. People are mingling literally as soon as you walk in. Children are providing refreshments to the participants. NBA executives, media members—even the participants in the events are all in the stands watching our beautiful game.
This year is especially cool, as I get to room with my friend and co-host, Jam!
Jam: I look forward to the PIT every year; it’s my favorite pre-draft event of the cycle by far. I love the under-the-radar and sleeper prospects on the margins, and the PIT consistently provides fertile ground to evaluate those potential gems. On top of the action on the floor, the PIT is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow evaluators and passionate fans who make the basketball community so special.
Most Impressive Players
Jaden Henley | Wing | Grand Canyon | 6’7” | 210
Stats: 18 PTS, 4 REBS, 3 ASTS, 6 STLS, 5/12 FG, 2/6 3P, 6/6 FT
Stephen: To be completely honest, Henley was the one player I was least familiar with coming into this event. It took him a little bit of time to work his way into the contest, with his first points coming from the free throw line after drawing contact. After that, it felt like there was just a steady dose of him drawing fouls, hitting some jumpers from the midrange and from deep, and even getting after it on the defensive end. His two-way ability really showed true throughout the entire game—the first game of the night. Folks that I talked to during the game were all equally impressed. Jaden did a fantastic job of making a good impression—I’m hoping he keeps it up!
