UAB’s eric gaines shows out at portsmouth invitational tournament
Photo by Ken Shepherd
APRIL 23, 2024 - BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
By Charles Vaughan
Former UAB guard Eric Gaines took the first steps on the path to his professional career this weekend, participating in the 70th annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, a three-day showcase restricted to college seniors. The P.I.T. is one of the pre-draft circuit’s premier events. It boasts over 100 alumni in the NBA, including former Blazer center Trey Jemison.
“When I got invited, it was a big accomplishment for me because last year, I didn't get the invite,” Gaines told scouting website Pro Insight. “A big round of applause for them inviting me here.”
“This experience was great, and I'm thankful for the opportunity,” Gaines added. “I want to thank God first. Without him I wouldn't be here. I'm glad all the coaches see the potential in me and I'm glad just to be here.”
Gaines wowed scouts during the pre-tournament athletic testing, recording 80th-percentile scores in both vertical jump and agility.
Gaines’ 3.09-second ¾-court sprint time ranked faster than the draft-year times of several current NBA stars, including John Wall, Damian Lillard, and Stephen Curry. His jump measured 33.5 inches, tied for the highest mark at the event.
“It's more of a natural thing,” Gaines said of his leaping ability. “I don't work on my legs because of course we have to do that in basketball with squats and single leg jumps and stuff like that. Mainly it's just natural.”
Gaines opened the tournament with a bang, turning in a ten-point, ten-assist performance against the Norfolk Sports Club. He threw down a tomahawk slam in the second half and earned the Player of the Game award.
Gaines continued his run of excellence in Friday’s game, making nine of 15 field goal attempts en route to a game-high 20 points. He also recorded two steals, dished out four assists, and added another impressive dunk to his highlight reel.
Gaines saw minimal playing time in the tournament’s final game, citing an ankle injury, but was satisfied with his overall performance.
“I think I came here and showed my ability to do different things. First game, I had a double- double. Second game, I showed my scoring ability,” said Gaines.
“I just wanted to show the coaches that I'm a true point guard and I can compete on the next level.”
Gaines made sure to emphasize the role his time in Birmingham played in preparing him for his professional career.
“I've grown tremendously from a freshman to my senior year. I had a lot of growing up to do. I matured a lot. Being behind the players I was behind at my different schools, I learned a lot from them,” said Gaines. “My whole team at UAB [helped me along the way]. Shout out to the whole team, especially Andy Kennedy. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here today. Shoutout to all of UAB.”
Gaines hopes his impressive weekend will show coaches his development as a leader and as a basketball player.
“My goal coming here was just to show the scouts that I could compete at the next level and try to just get every win that I can,” said Gaines. “I'm happy that I got that experience with my teammates and best of luck to them.”