THREE CAA MEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYERS COMPETING IN PORTSMOUTH INVITATIONAL
Three CAA men's basketball players are hoping to impress professional scouts this week as they compete in the 56th annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. The event is a showcase for outstanding basketball players who are completing their senior years and gives players a chance to be evaluated in advance of the NBA's pre-draft camp in Orlando.
Representing the CAA are George Mason forward Will Thomas, Patriots' guard Folarin Campbell and Drexel forward Frank Elegar.
Thomas poured in a team-high 17 points on 7-of-10 FG shooting and grabbed six rebounds in his opening game on Wednesday night, but his Holiday Inn-Portsmouth squad lost 99-81. The senior recorded a double-double with 13 points and a team-high 11 rebounds in Thursday's consolation game, but his team suffered a 92-84 setback. Thomas earned first-team All-CAA and CAA All-Defensive team honors in 2007-08 after leading the conference with 10.4 rebounds per game and ranking fourth in the league in scoring (16.1 ppg). He was also among the nation's leaders in FG percentage (64.2%). Thomas completed his Mason career with 1,564 points and is sixth on the CAA's all-time rebounding list with 993.
Elegar came off the bench to contribute 12 points and nine rebounds in his first P.I.T. game on Wednesday. His Norfolk Naval Shipyard team posted a 96-88 victory to advance to the semifinals on Friday night. Elegar made the All-CAA second team for the second straight season after leading the Dragons and ranking among the top 15 in the CAA in scoring (14.0 ppg), rebounding (8.0 rpg) and FG percentage (55.9). He was also a member of the CAA's All-Defensive team after blocking 59 shots. Elegar completed his Dragons' career with 1,285 points and 676 rebounds.
Campbell came off the bench to score a team-high 15 points to lead the K&D Rounds Landscaping team to a 90-78 triumph in their opener on Thursday night. His squad advances to the semifinals on Friday night. Campbell received All-CAA second team honors this season and was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the CAA Men's Basketball Championship after leading the Patriots to their first title since 2001. Campbell averaged 15.6 points per game and led the team with 112 assists. He finished his career with 1,545 points, 491 rebounds and 392 assists.
The tournament concludes on Saturday night. For more information, rosters and game box scores, log on to www.portsmouthinvitational.com