In the world of basketball, seizing the moment can be everything, and Julian Reese is making the most of his moment on the big stage. Drawing inspiration from former standout Jahmir Young, who's now carving out a promising NBA path, Reese is taking his shot at following a similar unlikely route to the pros. His performance at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT), a cornerstone event for college seniors looking to catch the eye of NBA scouts, is already turning heads.
Reese, who played his collegiate ball at Maryland, is making waves with his standout play through the initial games of the tournament. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s putting on a show.
Averaging 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds while maintaining a nearly perfect shooting percentage from the free-throw line, his early showings are turning skeptics into believers. With most experts not projecting him high in the drafts, Reese is solidifying his case to either sneak into the draft or become a prime target for teams seeking a talented undrafted free agent.
Cyro Asseo from HoopsHype captured the sentiment circulating at the PIT, noting Reese’s impressive presence inside. Asseo praised his essential skills like setting screens and managing the paint, hinting that Reese might just be the best big man at the event. "Sets good screens, rim runs well, and projects as a decent shot blocker," says Asseo—key attributes for a successful transition to the professional level.
During Thursday's first matchup, playing for a team affiliated with Roger Brown's Restaurant, Reese showcased his skills by racking up 16 points with efficient shooting and adding nine rebounds before fouling out, leading his team in minutes played. This performance equaled the team-high in scoring with Louisville's Terrence Edwards Jr., though Reese was markedly more efficient.
If Thursday was impressive, Friday was the encore. Reese upped his game once more, contributing 15 points and snagging 10 rebounds, marking back-to-back performances that indicate he’s more than just a flash in the pan. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, with each standout performance adding to the buzz around his potential.
The PIT, established in 1953, has been the proving ground for many who went on to defy the odds, like NBA mainstays Jimmy Butler and Derrick White. With 64 talented seniors competing and every NBA team watching, Reese aims to follow in the footsteps of last year’s Maryland representatives, Young and Donta Scott, who took their talents to the next level.
While Julian doesn’t have the immediate star power of his sister Angel Reese or the draft buzz of teammate Derik Queen, he’s proving that staying ready and performing under the radar has its perks. Stephen Noh from The Sporting News highlighted Reese's combination of size, defense, and toughness as assets that make him a solid prospect, fit for the NBA or international leagues.
Reese's college stats further spotlight his readiness—1,488 points, over 1,000 rebounds, and numerous school records place him among Maryland basketball’s greats. His renowned tenure with the Terps saw him lead the team to their first Sweet 16 since 2016, showcasing consistent performance throughout.
Looking ahead, Reese stays humble and thankful for his college journey, declaring his gratitude despite setbacks and celebrating the hard-fought battles. His commendation as a three-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention cements his status as a premier talent out of Maryland.
The Julian Reese show continues today at 1 p.m., and with his eyes firmly set on what might come next, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see where this journey takes him next.
