Virginia Tech's Lawal Shines in PIT Opener

Tobi Lawal scores 16 points in first game of prestigious pre-draft tournament

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:04am

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An abstract, energetic painting in vivid neon colors, capturing the raw athleticism and competitive spirit of a college basketball player in motion.The explosive energy and competitive drive of college basketball players on display at the prestigious Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.Norfolk Today

Tobi Lawal, a senior forward from Virginia Tech, had a strong start to the 72nd annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT), scoring 16 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in 30 minutes of play for his Sales Systems team. The PIT is a prestigious pre-draft tournament that attracts hundreds of NBA and overseas scouts to evaluate top college seniors.

Why it matters

The PIT provides a valuable opportunity for college basketball players on the cusp of turning pro to showcase their skills in front of professional scouts. A strong performance at the PIT can significantly boost a player's draft stock and chances of making an NBA or overseas roster.

The details

Lawal, who previously played for VCU before transferring to Virginia Tech, had an efficient outing, knocking down 6 of his 11 shot attempts. Despite his team falling 78-75 to Portsmouth Sports Club, Lawal impressed with his versatility on both ends of the floor. The 64 players participating in the four-day tournament are all looking to make a positive impression, as over 250 NBA scouts and 100 international scouts are expected to attend the event.

  • The 72nd edition of the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament is currently underway.
  • Lawal played in the first game of the tournament on Wednesday night.
  • The tournament will continue through the weekend, with each team playing three games.

The players

Tobi Lawal

A senior forward from Virginia Tech who previously played for VCU. Lawal scored 16 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in his first game of the PIT.

Zach Cleveland

A college senior from Liberty University who is also participating in the PIT, playing for the Portsmouth Partnership team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just trying to go out there and have fun. Any time you can get on the court and play, that's amazing. Just show that I can guard, I can be versatile when guarding, I can hit some shots, but just play hard. I play with energy and be a great teammate.”

— Tobi Lawal, Virginia Tech Forward

What’s next

Lawal and his Sales Systems team will play their second game of the PIT on Thursday at 3:30 PM. Scouts will continue to evaluate the players throughout the four-day tournament, with the hopes of identifying talent for the upcoming NBA draft and overseas professional leagues.

The takeaway

The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament provides a valuable platform for college basketball players on the cusp of turning pro to showcase their skills in front of hundreds of professional scouts. Performances like Tobi Lawal's strong debut can go a long way in boosting a player's draft stock and earning them an opportunity to play at the next level.