Kadeem Allen’s strong performance in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament earlier this month has paid off, earning the departing Arizona senior an invite to the NBA Combine next month in Chicago.
Only 70 players typically participate in front of key NBA scouts at the combine, and some top international players do not play, so those without invitations face long odds to become one of the 60 NBA Draft picks.
While Allen wasn’t available for comment Friday, Allen’s mother, Bernadette, said her son called to tell her that he had been invited. The NBA has not yet released its complete list of participants for the May 9-14 combine.
Allen was UA’s veteran leader and top defender last season, averaging 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. But he further opened some eyes in the seniors-only Portsmouth tournament, averaging 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 48.1 percent and playing strong defense.
“I thought he really helped himself,” said Jonathan Givony, president of the Draft Express scouting site. “I thought he played great.”
The NBA has guaranteed that a minimum of five players from Portsmouth will be awarded spots in the NBA Combine.
Allen is not projected to be drafted but is ranked the No. 73 overall NBA prospect by Draft Express.
