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Clanton Receives Portsmouth Invitational Invite

March 15, 2013

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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After concluding his time at UCF as one of the top players in program history, Keith Clanton will aim to impress professional scouts at the prestigious Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in April. The forward has earned an invitation to the event in Virginia, which will feature 64 seniors from across the nation participating in a four-day, 12-game tournament in front of representatives from every NBA team.

UCF's career leader in rebounds, blocks, games played and starts, Clanton averaged 14.8 points, 8.5 boards, 2.5 assists and 2.0 blocks as a senior in 2012-13 and garnered All-Conference USA Second Team honors. He helped lead the Knights to their third-straight 20-win campaign and finished his career as one of only two players in C-USA history with at least 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.

"Keith is well deserving of an invitation to the Portsmouth Invitational," UCF head coach Donnie Jones said. "The event will allow him to continue to showcase his talents and compete alongside some of the best seniors in the country."

The P.I.T. will begin on April 10. Since the P.I.T. was established in 1953, dozens of participants have gone on to play in the NBA, including Rick Barry, Dave Cowens, Tim Hardaway, Scottie Pippen, Terry Porter, John Stockton and Ben Wallace.

Last year, several P.I.T. participants earned NBA training camp invitations, including Kyle O'Quinn with the Orlando Magic. Former UCF star Jermaine Taylor participated in the P.I.T. before he was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

"I am excited to begin the next chapter in my basketball career. I am working hard each and every day and look forward to the next few months as I continue to pursue my dreams," Clanton said.