Ashton Gibbs Lights It Up In The Portsmouth Invitational

If you blinked, you probably missed it. Nevertheless, Ashton Gibbs has had a pretty good two games in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.

In Thursday night's game, Gibbs led his team in scoring with 23 points (on 8-12 shooting) in 28 minutes. He added four assists, three rebounds, and two steals. His team lost, so he played in the consolation round this afternoon. Gibbs lit it up again. In Friday afternoon's game, Gibbs again had 23 points (again leading team on 7-11 shooting), adding three assists and a steal.

Before you go all 'Where was this Gibbs all season', there are a few things you should know.

These games have virtually no defense. Gibbs' team averaged 83 points ... and lost both games. Gibbs also had seven turnovers in the two games and probably was a bit sloppy.

Still, though, I'm with you on the frustration angle when it comes to not only his scoring, but his shooting. Gibbs shot over 65% from the field in those two games and even a significant dropoff from that would have still meant a really good year.

Got to say, I'm glad for him. He had a tough year, but still one of the best Pitt careers of all time. I find it hard to believe that two good games in a mid-card All-Star game of sorts will erase a year's worth of pretty disappointing basketball for scouts, but if that was the only time they'd seen him in person this season, they should leave impressed. Still tough to see him being selected in the NBA Draft, though.

There's still one more game left for Gibbs - a seventh place 'Avoid the Basement' contest tomorrow at noon.

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