April 13, 2009

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Seniors B.J. Raymond of Xavier and Rhode Island's Jimmy Baron have been named to the Portsmouth Invitational All-Tournament team for their performances at the Portsmouth Invitational (Apr. 8-11), a showcase for outstanding men's basketball players in their senior year of college.

Baron set tournament records for three-pointers made in a game (nine) and overall (16), while Raymond averaged 13 points and four rebounds while sinking 8-of-15 shots from beyond the arc.

Baron and Raymond were joined in Portsmouth by Rhode Island's Kahiem Seawright, guard Aaron Jackson of Duquesne, Saint Joseph's forward Ahmad Nivins and UMass teammates Tony Gaffney and Chris Lowe among the 64 seniors.

The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (P.I.T.) is the nation's oldest amateur basketball tournament. It is recognized by NBA and European scouts as the premier showcase for future professional players. The P.I.T. is the only tournament for college seniors to participate in and be evaluated by the National Basketball Association prior to the NBA's pre-draft camp. Over 50 student-athletes who participated in the P.I.T. have gone on to either play and/or coach in the NBA, including former A-10 standouts Cuttino Mobley (Rhode Island) and Rasual Butler (La Salle).