Why KU’s Mayo, MU’s Bates, K-State’s N’Guessan combined hoops forces in Virginia
Former KU basketball guard Zeke Mayo scored seven points and dished six assists against one turnover while playing 26 minutes in Portsmouth Partnership’s 101-94 victory over Norfolk Sports Club on Wednesday night.
The performance came in an opening-round game at the Portsmouth Invitational tournament at Churchland High School in Portsmouth, Virginia — a showcase for college seniors.
Former Kansas State forward David N’Guessan, a teammate of Mayo’s in the 71st annual event, contributed eight points on 4-of-5 shooting with six rebounds in 26 minutes. N’Guessan had one assist to three turnovers.
Mayo, who was 3-of-7 from the floor (1-of-3 from 3-point range), also had two rebounds and a steal.
Former Missouri guard Tamar Bates scored 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting. He was 2-of-4 from deep and 3-of-3 from the line. Bates also had seven assists to one turnover and three rebounds in 31 minutes.
Bates, a 6-5 guard from Kansas City, averaged 13.3 points and 2.6 rebounds a game in 2024-25 for the Tigers. Mayo, 6-4 from Lawrence, averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists for KU, while N’Guessan, 6-9 from Netherlands, averaged 13.3 points and 7.2 rebounds.
The Portsmouth Invitational has been in existence since 1953. Eight teams, each comprised of eight college seniors, play a 12-game tournament over four days. Players who fare well could land invitations to the 2025 NBA Combine ahead of the NBA Draft.
Dozens of pro scouts — many from overseas — traditionally attend and/or watch online.
Bates’ Norfolk Sports Club team was to play Sales Systems Ltd. at 2:15 p.m. Central Time on Thursday in the consolation bracket. D’Guessan and Mayo will next play against KGD Rounds in a tourney semifinal game at 6 p.m. Friday.
A schedule of all games is available at the Portsmouth Invitational Website.
