Carrick Felix declines Portsmouth invite, ‘nervous’ about NBA Draft
Apr 11, 2013, 10:38 PM | Updated: 10:52 pm
Many of college basketball’s best senior players are in Virginia this week, participating in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
Many, though, declined invitations for one reason or another. Arizona State’s Carrick Felix was one of those players.
“It was more so my decision, my agent and my athletic trainer, just because of my knees,” he said. “They’re not banged up or anything bad, but we’re just trying to take it on the safe route; just make sure I just do a little more rehab and strengthening and just be ready.
“It was a good decision, I think, just for the long run, longevity of my career.”
The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) is a four-day, twelve-game tournament in front of representatives from every NBA team.
Felix, however, is choosing to wait until next month to work out in front of pro scouts.
“Just continue to work out and get ready for Chicago (and the NBA Draft Combine) in May and then start working out for teams starting in May, too,” he said.
In his senior season, Felix averaged 14.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He was named second team All-Pac-12 and was selected to the Pac-12’s All-Defensive and All-Academic First Teams.
Felix is back in the Valley after spending last weekend at the Final Four in Atlanta where he participated in the State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships. Felix was scheduled to play in the Reese’s Division I College All-Star Game, but backed out for precautionary reasons after suffering a minor knee injury in the dunk contest.
He finished second in the dunk contest, losing to Detroit’s Doug Anderson.
“It was fun going out there and just making up stuff,” Felix said. “Atlanta was good. It was definitely a fun time for us seniors, being our last time in our uniforms. It was good.”
His focus now turns to the draft.
“I’m counting down every day,” he said. “I’ve got to get everything I can out of each day.
“My expectations are high. I definitely think I’m in a position to be drafted. I think I’m in a position to definitely make a name for myself, but the same time, I’m a little nervous. I really don’t know what’s going to happen. So, from here on until June 27 I’ve got to work. That’s all that’s in my mind right now is just working.”
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