JFB named PIT MVP

[brewcity77]

Jimmy Butler's team won the championship at the Portsmouth Invitational tonight, he led the way with 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. I just saw that Vander tweeted JFB was named the MVP of the tournament. Here's the box score:

http://portsmouthinvitational.com/boxscores/2011_Game_12.html

Great start for Butler's quest to get drafted to the NBA.

[77ncaachamps]

The Butler Did It!

And because of his performances, that's why the defenses refer to him by his middle name and not Jimmy.

[NickelDimer]

Awesome.  So happy for him.

[Daniel]

This is great for Jimmy - glad he got the recognition he deserves!  Go Jimmy!

[JoeSmith1721]

That is so big for Jimmy, that will definitely help him in the draft. He is a great player and an even better teammate.

[Skatastrophy]

27 assists on 42 made baskets?  Great team effort!  Even in pick-up post season bball it's worthwhile to play as a team if you value #Winning!

[DoggyDaddy]

Even if he does not get drafted, Jimmy will make it to the NBA and do well, just like Wes!

[Avenue Commons]

I'll bet anyone on this board $5 (payable to Al's Run) that Jimmy Butler gets drafted.

[Markusquette]

Congrats Jimmy.  He really played well!

[JoBo2756]

article from nba.com on Jimmy as MVP:http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/04/10/portsmouth-day-4/?ls=iref:nbahpt2

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

I'd draft Butler. He's the smartest player Marquette has had in my memory and he proved his first two years he's happy to play whatever role he's assigned. He'd be a perfect player to fill out an NBA roster.

Let me ask you this, you're an NBA GM and you have a second round pick. Do you use it on Butler or Jereme Richmond? That's a no-brainer for me.

[DJO's Pump Fake]

Latest Draft Express has him going late 2nd round

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2011/

[🏀]

I'd draft Butler. He's the smartest player Marquette has had in my memory and he proved his first two years he's happy to play whatever role he's assigned. He'd be a perfect player to fill out an NBA roster.

Let me ask you this, you're an NBA GM and you have a second round pick. Do you use it on Butler or Jereme Richmond? That's a no-brainer for me.

Yep. Jereme Richmond would be a no-brainer.

[PGsHeroes32]

Jimmy will be very enticing because even though he was a senior this past year hes still only 21 right now so hes not an old guy that some team try to stay away from. Hes got age and experience working with him.

[Dawson Rental]

Jimmy will be very enticing because even though he was a senior this past year hes still only 21 right now so hes not an old guy that some team try to stay away from. Hes got age and experience working with him.

And that makes him only two years older than Richmond, even though Richmond was a frosh.  Will two years in the NBDL or sitting on a bench in the NBA get Richmond to Jimmy's level?  Don't think so.

[Skatastrophy]

http://www.thehoopsreport.com/article.aspx?id=697

The players who gained the most steam at the Portsmouth Invitational were Andrew Goudelock and Jimmy Butler.

...

Butler won MVP of the event by pouring in three solid performances and leading his team to the championship. One executive couldn't figure out what makes Butler so intriguing but said "He just looks like an NBA player." An executive similarly stated "He's just a basketball player."

[Dawson Rental]

So all Jimmy needs is a NBA GM who is looking for a "player" instead of a "prospect".  I like his chances.  The GM's are starting to wise up.  A good story in the Chicago Tribune compared Richmond's decision to Marcus Liberty's decision to leave Illinois after three years in the 80's.  Liberty who had been the top rated HS guy three years earlier, had an undistinguished four year NBA career.

[GoMarquetteSays]

Jimmy Butler Named MVP At 2011 Portsmouth Invitational
         

Marquette senior Jimmy Butler led his team to the 2011 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament title while capturing MVP honors in Portsmouth, Va., April 6-9, 2011.
         

http://onlyfans.cstv.com/schools/marq/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/041111aac.html
         

[drewm88]

Latest Draft Express has him going late 2nd round

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2011/

That was an old version. Today's update bumps him to #39 overall, 9th in the 2nd round.

[MUBurrow]

And that makes him only two years older than Richmond, even though Richmond was a frosh.  Will two years in the NBDL or sitting on a bench in the NBA get Richmond to Jimmy's level?  Don't think so.

Unfortunately I think that for most NBA GMs, those two years of extra potential is worth the pick, considering the higher ceiling that Richmond is perceived to have.

[Dawson Rental]

Unfortunately I think that for most NBA GMs, those two years of extra potential is worth the pick, considering the higher ceiling that Richmond is perceived to have.

Jerry Angelo who is the GM for the Chicago Bears like to talk about getting players with "high floors", definitely a JB attribute.  Reaching for those "high potential" guys who haven't done it is how to waste a draft pick, and you are correct, some NBA GM will.

[GGGG]

I'm not sure you generally want to take draft advice from Jerry Angelo.

[🏀]

I'm not sure you generally want to take draft advice from Jerry Angelo.

+1

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I'm not sure you generally want to take draft advice from Jerry Angelo.

+1000000000000   

[#MUBB]

Congrats to JFB, a couple very big months ahead of him. The NBA.com article is very complimentary. REALLY getting my hopes up...