PORTSMOUTH, Va. — If there's anyone who has a full understanding of the important of the P.I.T., it's the founder in James "Booty" Baker. His finger prints are all over a tournament that's not only know in the United States, but around the world.
What started out as an idea back in 1953 has turned into the place for budding professional basketball players in the Portsmouth Invitational from Churchland High School. Baker is amazed at the tournament's staying power.
"I shiver everytime I think about it", he says. "It's still going on. It means so much to me and I'm glad I've enjoyed it in my 50-something years."
Baker has seen them all from Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, Dennis Rodman, Tim Hardaway, Sr. to Jeremy Lin. The 95 year old says he was one of the first coaches in the PIT and says the foundation of the tournament itself are still in place for NBA and international scouts as well as fans.
"The format is still the same. 8 teams and select 8 players on each team. The format hasn't changed".
The Portsmouth Invitational finals is set for 7pm on Saturday.