Harrellson withdraws from Portsmouth Invitational due to illness

Josh Harrellson withdrew from the Portsmouth Invitational after the UK medical staff recommended he not have any physical activity for a week due to flu-like symptoms.

The Portsmouth Invitational is a camp for college seniors in preparation for the NBA Draft. It runs April 6-9.

Harrellson talked about the camp being a great opportunity as he looks to make it at the next level, saying that it was a testament to his hard work and improvement through the course of the year.

“I’m extremely disappointed that I won’t be able to participate in the Portsmouth Invitational,” Harrellson said in a release. “I was really looking forward to showcasing my abilities among the top seniors in the nation. My focus now is on getting well and concentrating on my schoolwork before working out for teams.”

Harrellson averaged 7.6 points and 8.7 rebounds in 28.5 minutes per game after logging just 88 minutes total as a junior. He continued his solid play in UK’s postseason run, averaging 12.0 points and 8.1 rebounds in five games.

“It’s unfortunate that Josh will not be able to participate in this year’s Portsmouth event,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “I know he was really honored to be selected and was looking forward to the opportunity. We’ll do everything we can to help him prepare once he’s cleared to return.”

Other players who will be attending include Ohio State’s Dallas Lauderdale, Mississippi’s Chris Warren, Michigan State’s Durrell Summers, Florida’s Alex Tyus and Vernon Macklin, Penn State’s Talor Battle, Baylor’s LaceDarius Dunn and West Virginia’s Casey Mitchell.