NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State star Joe Bryant Jr. has been added to yet another prestigious senior showcase, and this one is just a few miles from his hometown of Norfolk.
Bryant has earned a spot in the 2023 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT), the organization announced on Sunday afternoon. Established in 1953, the PIT invites “64 senior college basketball players from across the national to compete before professional scouts.”
Our next player is one of the most decorated players in the history of the @MEACSports conference. This Hampton Roads native is a two time MEAC POY, MEAC all time leader in FT % and two time MEAC tournament MVP. Welcome to #PIT23 to @NSU_BBALL‘s Joe Bryant Jr. (@WhoGotJoe4)! pic.twitter.com/gxzD7y3AQh
– P.I.T. (@PIT_Basketball) April 9, 2023
Bryant becomes the first Norfolk State basketball player invited to the PIT since Spartan legend Kyle O’Quinn appeared in the event in 2012.
“Joe Bryant Jr.’s accolades continue to pour in, we are so proud of him,” Norfolk State men’s basketball head coach Robert Jones said. “This is a major step for a potential pro career. We look forward to him representing the green and gold well in this event.”
The PIT has developed a distinguished reputation as one of the top nation’s top showcase events, welcoming legendary players in past years such as Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Scottie Pippin, and Dennis Rodman.
In order to be selected to the PIT by the Player Selection Committee, “players must be seniors in good academic and athletic department standing.”
Featuring eight teams of eight plays, 12 games will take place over four days from Apr. 12-15 at Churchland High School. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
Source: Norfolk State Athletics
Image: NSU Athletics Instagram