Jeff Hagen Hopes to Raise NBA Stock in Portsmouth

The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (P.I.T.) is the only NBA pre-draft camp exclusively for college seniors. Center Jeff Hagen of Minnesota is one of 64 players hoping to impress the NBA and European scouts in attendance. His team, Tidewater Sealants (a local sponsor), will open play in the 9:00 game on Thursday. Hagen was expected to see a familiar face as he will play alongside former De LaSalle star Alan Anderson of Michigan State, but Anderson pulled out with a knee injury.

Jeff Hagen will also play with Lee Cook of Bowie State, Jawad Williams from North Carolina, Nate Daniels of Mountain State, Drake Diener from DePaul, Jay Straight of Wyoming and Paul Marigney.

Tidewater Sealants will face Naval Shipyard. They are led by Aaron Miles of Kansas, Taron Downey from Wake Forest, Ed McCants of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Omar Thomas from UTEP, Mindaugas Katelynas of Chattanooga, Guillaume Yango of Pacific, Seamus Boxley from Portland State and D'or Fischer of West Virginia.

The winning team will advnace to the semifinals, while the losing suqad will play in the consolation bracket Friday at 3:15. A team is eliminated after two losses.