NBA Draft Notes: RJ Felton, Kadin Shedrick, And Other PIT Standouts To Watch

If you’re looking for the gritty grinders who might sneak into the NBA through the side door, the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament is always a good place to start.

As HoopsHype’s Cyro Asseo de Choch described it, this year’s PIT — held April 16–19 — was a “springboard for under-the-radar grinders,” and once again, it delivered.

Among the most impressive? RJ Felton, a high-energy guard from East Carolina (and cousin of former NBA point guard Raymond Felton), who showcased deep shooting range, aggressive play-making, and the kind of edge scouts love in a late-second-round swing.

He wasn’t alone. Texas center Kadin Shedrick turned heads with his size and footwork. Arkansas big man Jonas Aidoo showed strong rim protection and interior presence. Belmont forward Jonathan Pierre displayed perimeter skills in a 6-foot-9 frame, while Butler’s Jahmyl Telfort looked like a plug-and-play wing at the next level.

None are guaranteed to be drafted, but that’s never really the point in Portsmouth. It’s about getting noticed — and now, they are.

Bottom line: The NBA Draft pool just keeps growing — and if you’re not paying attention to the names from Portsmouth, you’re already behind.

More NBA Draft Notes:

• Nate Ament, the 18-year-old phenom and No. 4 prospect in ESPN’s early 2026 mock draft, has committed to Tennessee. Ament told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that Rick Barnes “sees me as a one-and-done,” referencing Barnes’ past work with Kevin Durant.
• Greek wing Neoklis Avdalas, 19, will test the 2025 NBA Draft waters while maintaining college eligibility.
• Arkansas freshman Karter Knox and Florida sophomore Rueben Chinyelu also declared while preserving eligibility.
• Meanwhile, in case you missed it, Duke’s Cooper Flagg has officially declared for the NBA Draft and has been described as the “total package.” Full story here.