Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Roberts Will Play in Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
04/01/2002 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
April 1, 2002
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois senior center Rolan Roberts will play in this week's Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Virginia, which showcases top college seniors.
The four-day tournament begins Wednesday with opening round games and concludes Saturday night with the championship game. Approximately 55 players are scheduled to compete. The tournament will not be televised.
Alumni of the annual tournament include such NBA stars as Terrell Brandon, Tim Hardaway, Jeff Hornacek, Charles Oakley, Scottie Pippen and John Stockton.
Roberts was in Atlanta last week where he won the College Slam Dunk contest on Thursday and scored eight points and blocked four shots in a college all-star game on Friday.
"NBA scouts are starting to take notice of Rolan," Saluki coach Bruce Weber said. "He had that monster game on national TV against UConn, and played very well in the all-star game."
Roberts helped lead the Salukis to the Sweet 16 this year, averaging 13.8 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game. Roberts was a First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference pick and the league's "Newcomer of the Year."
