CCU's Neuhaus Plays in Pre-NBA Draft Showcase
Last week Colorado Christian University senior Justin Neuhaus was a long shot from the University's suburban Denver campus, after accepting an invitation to play in the elite Portsmouth Invitational Tournament on April 7-10, 2010, in front of scouts from all 30 NBA teams. The 6-11 center from San Marcos, Tex., joined 63 of the best men's college basketball seniors from across the nation for the four-day, 12-game tournament.
Approximately 60 former and current NBA players and coaches have played at Portsmouth, including John Stockton, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Derek Fisher, and Ben Wallace.
Although the tournament is a major honor usually extended to talented NCAA Division-I athletes, four Division-II players were invited this year. Neuhaus received his bid after Duke University center Brian Zoubek vacated his spot on a team that included Wayne Chism (University of Tennessee) and Raymar Morgan (Michigan State University). Neuhaus' invitation was the first ever for a player from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, in which CCU competes.
During on-court action on Thursday, April 8, the three-time RMAC Defensive Player of the Year played 19 minutes and tallied 11 points and 4 rebounds. Across the tournament, he averaged 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 19 minutes per outing, and helped his team battle to the championship game.
"We are extremely proud of Justin and excited about the opportunity he's been given," commented CCU men's head coach David Daniels. "Justin has played a tremendous role in our success over the last four years, and we look forward to watching his future as a basketball player unfold."
For more information about Neuhaus or CCU's athletic programs, contact Sports Information Director Aimee Davison at 303-963-3185 or adavison@ccu.edu.