It doesn't get nearly the level of attention of the NFL Draft combine, but the NBA held their combine in Chicago this week, and it should be of some interest to Razorback fans since both Bobby Portis and Michael Qualls were invited to participate, setting up what seems likely to be the first NBA Draft with multiple Razorbacks selected since 1992 the summer the original Dream Team took over the world.
Bobby Portis
From what I could gather on Twitter, Portis either had met with, will meet with, and/or will workout with the following teams Portis: Celtics, Bucks, Heat, Pistons, Portland, and Orlando. That's likely not an exhaustive list as some of the team interactions are more private. I wouldn't be surprised if Portis met with every team, at least the ones drafting between 10-25 (but possibly any team because trades will happen) unless a team is determined not to draft a power forward in the first round.
USA Today named him one of the top 5 power forwards in the draft.
Anyway, here's much of what was said about Portis including video of an interview he gave several beat reporters. Portis seemed to come off very well with the media. Summary: don't slap Portis' mom, he models his game after Kevin Garnett, and more tidbits.
Three best players with the media this week: R.J. Hunter (CLEAR No. 1), Cam Payne, and Bobby Portis. NBA folks will enjoy them next year.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) May 16, 2015
Bobby Portis says he would be able to relate to Brad Stevens "because he’s in my age group." Cmon, Brad isn’t that young.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) May 15, 2015
Arkansas F Bobby Portis with the line of the day: In 18-19 years, I want people to look back and say I was the best player in this draft
— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) May 15, 2015
Three best players with the media this week: R.J. Hunter (CLEAR No. 1), Cam Payne, and Bobby Portis. NBA folks will enjoy them next year.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) May 16, 2015
Arkansas PF Bobby Portis met w/ #Heat. He was surprised how personable & funny Riley was. "On TV he always looks so serious."
— Jason Lieser (@PBPjasonlieser) May 15, 2015
Michael Qualls
Qualls suffered a hip injury early in the week that kept him out of the 5-on-5 games he was supposed to participate in, but he was still able to perform in the athleticism drills, in which he shined as you might expect.
So apparently Michael Qualls of Arkansas is 6’5" in shoes with a 7’0.25" wingspan and 4.0% body fat. Good lord.
— Max Rappaport (@MaxRappaport) May 13, 2015
Qualls' 4% body fat was the least among all combine participants. Fun note from doing this research: the legendary Oliver Miller held the record for highest body fat percentage at the combine (22%) from his entry in 1992 until 2003 when Western Kentucky's Chris Marcus clocked in at 23.1%. Miller is now 4th on the list behind Marcus, Miami's Reggie Johnson, and Mississippi State's infamous Renardo Sidney (they both hit 22.4%). Those are the kinds of records you don't get from the Arkansas media guide. Have to come here for that premium info.
I don't know how, but the nearly 7'1 Frank Kaminsky has a smaller wingspan than the 6'5 Michael Qualls.
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrown0914) May 13, 2015
Michael Qualls: The Arkansas swingman stand 6'4 with a 7'0.25 wingspan and 4% bodyfat. He's tremendously long and the leanest player in attendance here. Combine that with his impressive athleticism and you're looking at quite a physical specimen.
From DraftExpress.com
http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz3aLiEGhbW
Former #Arkansas SF Michael Qualls will work out for the #Sixers on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/iVTuCpKpPa http://t.co/UMgiVfXdZz
— Sixers Social (@SixersSocial) May 15, 2015
Please don't let the 76ers draft Qualls. Please.