Green Lantern
Guardian of the Cavaliers
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Have you seen him play?
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2023 NBA Draft
- Thread starter Randolphkeys
- Start date
Yes. And he looks amazing some games. Then other games he looks really bad. He has great offensive talent. That's something that can't be denied. Problem is consistency and off the field issues.
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It's more than that.. he is not physically ready to play with the best athletes in sports. But if he gets that squared away he could play in the league.. He is young and there is time, but he needs to commit to the gym because his leash will be short..
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What’s wrong with being sexy?
Ohioplayer00
NBA Starter
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Pre-Draft Analvsis
FOLLOW
March 9, 2023
Bates wasn't able to get Eastern Michigan into the MAC tournament, as his team went 5-13 in conference play and 8-23 overall, meaning his season ended March 3. Bates had some moments, dropping a combined 66 points against South Carolina and Michigan, but was more or less a net negative in conference play He posted a paltry 49% true shooting percentage with far more turnovers than assists and while being a sieve defensively, often looking like he was barely trying while playing selfish basketball.
This probably wasn't what NBA scouts or Bates envisioned when he elected to transfer from Memphis last spring, and he has work ahead of him now to be a sure-fire draft pick if he enters. Standing 6-9 and having just turned 19 years old in late January, Bates' tough shotmaking prowess and overall scoring instincts hold some appeal, but he plays such a losing brand of basketball on both ends of the floor, making him a relatively tough sell. -- Jonathan Givony
Oct 4, 2022
Emoni Bates, previously the No. 33 prospect in our 2023 mock in June, is now off our projection altogether following his arrest for carrying a concealed weapon and "altering ID marks" on a firearm and subsequent suspension from Eastern Michigan. The 18-year-old is coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued freshman season at Memphis that resulted in his decision to transter closer to home.
Mmmmmmmmm…..is JBB the right coach for this kid? I highly doubt it!
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I'm not familiar with Craig Porter Jr.'s game but am intrigued--
Craig Porter Jr. is one of the most interesting prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-2 guard began his collegiate career as a JUCO player, leading Vincennes (Indiana) to a 62-7 record over two seasons and winning the NJCAA national championship in 2019. After receiving interest from a number of programs (including Indiana, Kansas, UConn, Oregon, Ole Miss, West Virginia, Texas Tech and Indiana State), Porter ultimately transferred to Wichita State.
Over the next three years with the Shockers, Porter would make huge strides and continue his development. Last season, Porter filled the stat sheet, averaging 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 threes, while shooting 47.8% from the field and 36.3% from three.
Porter became the first player in school history to lead the team in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. There aren’t many 6-foot-2 point guards who lead their team in blocks, but Porter’s motor and 40.5-inch vertical allow him to erase shots regularly. Porter ranks sixth among Wichita State’s all-time leaders in career blocks per game (1.08). Last season, he had 11 games with multiple blocks (including a pair of 5-block performances) and 14 games with multiple steals.
Porter is looking forward to starting the next chapter of his unique journey on Thursday night, when he hopes to hear his name called in the 2023 NBA Draft. He says that it’s finally starting to sink in that his NBA dream may soon be a reality.
Throughout the pre-draft process, Porter has worked out for the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and Washington Wizards. He’s been turning heads in workouts, and he hopes that a team is willing to take a chance on him in the second round.
Darryl Hepburn trained Porter in Tampa after Wichita State's season ended, and he believes the 23-year-old has what it takes to succeed in the NBA.
“When he came to Tampa, he was flying way under the radar. But when I did my research on him, I immediately saw that he had a couple signature games against some good teams, so I felt like he was an [NBA] prospect,” Hepburn told Basketball News. “Since I first laid eyes on him – a 6-foot-2 guard with long arms – he impressed me with his athletic ability.
“He shot 36% from three, but I saw some room for improvement there. Over the last seven weeks, he showed me that he’s a proven shooter. I saw him make a lot of improvements. He went to the Portsmouth Invitational and was one of the best players there. There’s a high ceiling for this kid – a very high ceiling – and he deserves an opportunity. I think he’s going to get drafted.”
What has the pre-draft process been like for you? I've talked to NBA veterans who say they're glad they never have to go through it again because of how hard it is with all of the workouts and traveling.
Craig Porter Jr.: “It’s been a lot of traveling, for sure – going from the east to the west to down south a lot. I mean, it’s an interesting process, just getting to see a bunch of different cities and getting to play against a bunch of different prospects and players of all calibers. It’s just an experience that you only get to go through once, so I’ve just been going through it and just doing everything I can to get into the position that I’m in now. But it’s been pretty fun.”
You have worked out for the Mavs, Warriors, Celtics, Pistons, Magic, Cavaliers, Clippers, Heat and Wizards. What were some of the biggest questions they were asking and what kind of feedback did you get from those teams?
Porter: “I would say, at the beginning when I did my first few [workouts], the most questionable thing about my game was whether I could consistently shoot the outside shot. I feel like, as I’ve done all of the workouts, everybody has noticed and realized that I can shoot the ball way better than they thought. And my complete game just surprised a lot of people once they saw [me pass] the eye test, I guess. A lot of the feedback has been pretty similar across the board. I’ve been honestly doing really well in a lot of my workouts, and a lot of the teams have been saying that they expect me to go somewhere in that second round or, if not there, then for sure [I’ll be] a two-way type of player.”
Do you think you can be a knockdown shooter in the NBA?
Porter: “I definitely think I can. I feel, eventually, [when players read] a lot of the scouting reports and things people go over about me, they won’t necessarily see the numbers and think that I’ll be able to [shoot], so it’ll surprise a lot of people at the beginning. But even with the work I’ve been putting in, I’ll be able to just shoot the ball more confidently and do it at a high level.”
You’ve had a unique journey to this point, coming from JUCO, leading your team to a NJCAA national championship and spending five years in college. What was it like taking the JUCO route and what did you learn from it?
Porter: “It really just showed me to never take anything for granted and that you have to work for everything you earn in life. Really, JUCO taught me almost everything I know. I mean, I went through just about everything in JUCO – going through five-hour practices, to Coach having to order us all pizzas after 8 or 9 p.m. because we practiced so long, to wanting to quit because things got so hard and difficult. I mean, it tests you, for sure. I pay a lot of my respects and dues to my coach and teammates there because of the grind we went through there and how it just prepares you. It puts you in a different position, and it prepares you for this level.”
When did you start to realize that playing in the NBA might be a realistic option?
Porter: “Honestly, I think it was after my senior year once I was about to sign with my agent Ryan [Straining]. I got a text from him saying that he was going to try his hardest and do everything he could to get me into the Portsmouth Invitational, and this was before I even signed with him. Really, I was unsure of anything I’d be able to do. I thought I would’ve been an overseas player, for sure. But once he got me into Portsmouth, things have just been taking off and skyrocketing ever since everybody has been able to see me. I give a lot of credit to him for pushing my name so hard.”
Each season, you’ve made significant strides. From the start of your college career to now, how much do you feel you have grown as a player?
Porter: “I think every aspect of my game has just gone to another level, especially the shooting, scoring and rebounding – pretty much every statistic. I really feel like I was just in a bunch of different roles and being asked [to do] different things on certain teams. But I feel like every role I was put in, I thrived and did everything I was supposed to do. I feel like being prepared for all of those things is really what [allowed] me to do that...
"Like I said, my role kind of changed every year. In JUCO, I went from being a spot-up shooter my freshman year to being the lead guard my second year and really just playing in a bunch of different roles. And the same thing happened at Wichita State. It just put me in a position where I didn’t always have to be the person who scores or the person that the defense focuses on, and I just found ways to impact winning. I was the leading rebounder and shot-blocker; I just found ways to get on the court and I just did the extra things that some of the guys on my team didn’t, and it just always paid off for me.”
You’re 23 years old and we know that teams typically fall in love with younger players and their potential during the draft process. But do you feel like there are some advantages to being an older and more experienced prospect?
Porter: “I definitely do. I think [my experience] has already prepared me to be a pro and I feel like I’m handling myself as a pro, so [I’m not dealing with] a lot of the little hiccups that some younger players might have to go through – like needing a little bit more time to develop or anything off the court. I just feel like with me being older and being through things that they haven’t experienced, it just prepared me a little bit more than they are.”
Which players would you compare yourself to? Who do you like to study?
Porter: “There are a couple players I study. Definitely Lonzo Ball, that’s one of my top ones. One of my favorite players growing up was Rajon Rondo, just him being able to do a little bit of everything, even if he couldn’t shoot the ball (which I feel like obviously I can do a lot better than him). I mean, just being able to rebound, get his teammates involved and score when needed. Really, those comparisons are probably my top-two, for sure.”
If an NBA general manager asked why should they draft you, what would you say?
Porter: “I’d probably say that I’m the type of person who doesn’t necessarily need to be ‘the guy’ or the face of something to impact it. I can impact winning in many different ways. You can throw me in there for one minute and I’m going to make a big difference in that one minute or 30 seconds or [however long I’m in]. My attention to detail is really high. I’m just an older guy who needs a chance. I take this really seriously – this is honestly my life. Really, being able to show what I can do is life or death to me.”
What do you bring to a team off the court? Do you think you can have an impact in the locker room as a leader or glue guy?
Porter: “Definitely, I’m a pretty calm person and, like I said before, there’s almost nothing that I haven’t been through. I know what it’s like to win, I know what it’s like to lose and I know what it’s like to go through adversity. Really, my biggest thing is that I’m able to lead and get guys to pay attention and listen, even if they’re frustrated or whatever. That was one of the things I was challenged on over the last two years, so it’s something that I’ve definitely developed over the years. But yeah, I’m definitely a good person off the court who can help guys keep their mental.”
What are your plans for draft night?
Porter: “I think I’m just going to have some of my family and friends over at my parents’ house, and we’re just going to watch the draft. Hopefully, my name is called. If it’s not, we’re all still going to hang out and I’ll spend some time with my family.”
-----------------
https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article274432340.html#storylink=cpy
Wichita State’s Craig Porter gains NBA traction with performance at PIT tournament
If Craig Porter Jr. wasn’t on the radar for NBA teams before, then his performance this past week at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament likely changed that.
In a tournament featuring 64 of the top senior college basketball players in the country, the Wichita State point guard managed to turn heads with his defense and leaping ability. He tied the 70-year-old tournament’s record for steals with 10 in three games on top of averaging 9.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 blocks.
“I really just wanted to get my name out there as much as I could and put myself in the best position to get to the next level,” Porter said. “I think I showed I’m a player who can do it all. I don’t necessarily need to score or need the ball. I can still influence the game defensively. I can rebound. I can really do whatever a team needs me to do to help them win.”
Porter earned all-conference honors after he averaged 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks this past season, while registering just the second triple-double by a Shocker in the past half-century. Despite the success, Porter is currently not considered in contention to be among the 60 draft picks of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Even if he doesn’t end up being drafted, Porter’s breakout performance in Virginia has created a buzz about his game. He said he met with eight different NBA teams while at the PIT, which could lead to an invitation to the NBA G League Elite Camp next month in Chicago and to NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in July.
A Sports Illustrated recap of the event labeled Porter “the most intriguing point guard prospect in PIT,” while NBA draft experts on social media took notice of his 34.5-inch vertical, which was the highest measured among the player pool, and ability to fill up the stat sheet after a game where he finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and five steals.
"That’s what this is all about, building your name up from nothing,” said Porter, who has signed with agent Ryan Straining from the Devore Sports Group. “Hopefully I can get a Summer League spot, but I’m just going to keep working. I really just wanted to get as much knowledge on what I needed to do to get to that next level. What I need to work on, my strengths, my weaknesses. Just getting as much information as possible.”
Following the tournament, Porter returned to Wichita, where he is finishing an internship and is on track to graduate with his degree in May. He plans on doing most of his training in Wichita, but could move back to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, after getting his degree, depending on where workouts might lead him.
He’s focused on becoming a professional basketball player, but said he still reflects fondly on his three-year career with the Shockers. He was on the WSU team that overcame a coaching change and played during a pandemic to lead the program to its first American Athletic Conference championship and back to the NCAA tournament. Although the Shockers didn’t have as much success as he wanted his final two years, he says he is proud of what he and his teammates accomplished.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the way we handled everything,” Porter said. “It was just a blessing to even be in the position that I was. I can’t thank coach (Isaac) Brown and the coaching staff enough for giving me an opportunity to lead and do what I can do. I thrived in that role and I tried to do the best I could.”
Porter was disappointed to see Brown, who finished with a 48-34 record in three seasons, fired so quickly after this past season. Brown has since been replaced by Oral Roberts coach Paul Mills.
Brown called Porter in the immediate aftermath of his firing and promised to help him in whatever way he could become a pro. Brown has since kept that promise to Porter, as the star player has remained in close contact with his former head coach with Brown even playing a central role in helping Porter be included in the PIT field.
“That says so much about his character that he’s still willing to help me out like that,” Porter said. “He has been a blessing and I’m so thankful for him. I have to give him the most credit out of anybody because he’s done nothing but help me thrive since I’ve come to Wichita. I can’t even thank him enough. Everybody knows he’s a good guy, but he really is a lot better coach than what fans think. He never had a losing record and all I can say is that I’ve got nothing but respect and love for him.”
Another topic that Porter touched on was his willingness to play for the AfterShocks, Wichita State’s alumni team that competes in The Basketball Tournament every summer. It’s not likely Porter plays this summer with him trying to make an impression on pro scouts for his first landing spot, but he said he is more than up for the challenge if needed.
“I would for sure play with them in the TBT,” Porter said. “I already told them, ‘If y’all need a point guard, let me know.’ I ain’t opposed to doing it at all. It will bring me back to Wichita and this is my second home. It would be fun to play in front of everybody at Koch Arena again.”
NBA draft prospect Craig Porter Jr.: 'I impact winning in many different ways'
https://www.basketballnews.com/news/authors/alex-kennedyCraig Porter Jr. is one of the most interesting prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-2 guard began his collegiate career as a JUCO player, leading Vincennes (Indiana) to a 62-7 record over two seasons and winning the NJCAA national championship in 2019. After receiving interest from a number of programs (including Indiana, Kansas, UConn, Oregon, Ole Miss, West Virginia, Texas Tech and Indiana State), Porter ultimately transferred to Wichita State.
Over the next three years with the Shockers, Porter would make huge strides and continue his development. Last season, Porter filled the stat sheet, averaging 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 threes, while shooting 47.8% from the field and 36.3% from three.
Porter became the first player in school history to lead the team in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. There aren’t many 6-foot-2 point guards who lead their team in blocks, but Porter’s motor and 40.5-inch vertical allow him to erase shots regularly. Porter ranks sixth among Wichita State’s all-time leaders in career blocks per game (1.08). Last season, he had 11 games with multiple blocks (including a pair of 5-block performances) and 14 games with multiple steals.
Porter is looking forward to starting the next chapter of his unique journey on Thursday night, when he hopes to hear his name called in the 2023 NBA Draft. He says that it’s finally starting to sink in that his NBA dream may soon be a reality.
Throughout the pre-draft process, Porter has worked out for the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and Washington Wizards. He’s been turning heads in workouts, and he hopes that a team is willing to take a chance on him in the second round.
Darryl Hepburn trained Porter in Tampa after Wichita State's season ended, and he believes the 23-year-old has what it takes to succeed in the NBA.
“When he came to Tampa, he was flying way under the radar. But when I did my research on him, I immediately saw that he had a couple signature games against some good teams, so I felt like he was an [NBA] prospect,” Hepburn told Basketball News. “Since I first laid eyes on him – a 6-foot-2 guard with long arms – he impressed me with his athletic ability.
“He shot 36% from three, but I saw some room for improvement there. Over the last seven weeks, he showed me that he’s a proven shooter. I saw him make a lot of improvements. He went to the Portsmouth Invitational and was one of the best players there. There’s a high ceiling for this kid – a very high ceiling – and he deserves an opportunity. I think he’s going to get drafted.”
What has the pre-draft process been like for you? I've talked to NBA veterans who say they're glad they never have to go through it again because of how hard it is with all of the workouts and traveling.
Craig Porter Jr.: “It’s been a lot of traveling, for sure – going from the east to the west to down south a lot. I mean, it’s an interesting process, just getting to see a bunch of different cities and getting to play against a bunch of different prospects and players of all calibers. It’s just an experience that you only get to go through once, so I’ve just been going through it and just doing everything I can to get into the position that I’m in now. But it’s been pretty fun.”
You have worked out for the Mavs, Warriors, Celtics, Pistons, Magic, Cavaliers, Clippers, Heat and Wizards. What were some of the biggest questions they were asking and what kind of feedback did you get from those teams?
Porter: “I would say, at the beginning when I did my first few [workouts], the most questionable thing about my game was whether I could consistently shoot the outside shot. I feel like, as I’ve done all of the workouts, everybody has noticed and realized that I can shoot the ball way better than they thought. And my complete game just surprised a lot of people once they saw [me pass] the eye test, I guess. A lot of the feedback has been pretty similar across the board. I’ve been honestly doing really well in a lot of my workouts, and a lot of the teams have been saying that they expect me to go somewhere in that second round or, if not there, then for sure [I’ll be] a two-way type of player.”
Do you think you can be a knockdown shooter in the NBA?
Porter: “I definitely think I can. I feel, eventually, [when players read] a lot of the scouting reports and things people go over about me, they won’t necessarily see the numbers and think that I’ll be able to [shoot], so it’ll surprise a lot of people at the beginning. But even with the work I’ve been putting in, I’ll be able to just shoot the ball more confidently and do it at a high level.”
You’ve had a unique journey to this point, coming from JUCO, leading your team to a NJCAA national championship and spending five years in college. What was it like taking the JUCO route and what did you learn from it?
Porter: “It really just showed me to never take anything for granted and that you have to work for everything you earn in life. Really, JUCO taught me almost everything I know. I mean, I went through just about everything in JUCO – going through five-hour practices, to Coach having to order us all pizzas after 8 or 9 p.m. because we practiced so long, to wanting to quit because things got so hard and difficult. I mean, it tests you, for sure. I pay a lot of my respects and dues to my coach and teammates there because of the grind we went through there and how it just prepares you. It puts you in a different position, and it prepares you for this level.”
When did you start to realize that playing in the NBA might be a realistic option?
Porter: “Honestly, I think it was after my senior year once I was about to sign with my agent Ryan [Straining]. I got a text from him saying that he was going to try his hardest and do everything he could to get me into the Portsmouth Invitational, and this was before I even signed with him. Really, I was unsure of anything I’d be able to do. I thought I would’ve been an overseas player, for sure. But once he got me into Portsmouth, things have just been taking off and skyrocketing ever since everybody has been able to see me. I give a lot of credit to him for pushing my name so hard.”
Each season, you’ve made significant strides. From the start of your college career to now, how much do you feel you have grown as a player?
Porter: “I think every aspect of my game has just gone to another level, especially the shooting, scoring and rebounding – pretty much every statistic. I really feel like I was just in a bunch of different roles and being asked [to do] different things on certain teams. But I feel like every role I was put in, I thrived and did everything I was supposed to do. I feel like being prepared for all of those things is really what [allowed] me to do that...
"Like I said, my role kind of changed every year. In JUCO, I went from being a spot-up shooter my freshman year to being the lead guard my second year and really just playing in a bunch of different roles. And the same thing happened at Wichita State. It just put me in a position where I didn’t always have to be the person who scores or the person that the defense focuses on, and I just found ways to impact winning. I was the leading rebounder and shot-blocker; I just found ways to get on the court and I just did the extra things that some of the guys on my team didn’t, and it just always paid off for me.”
You’re 23 years old and we know that teams typically fall in love with younger players and their potential during the draft process. But do you feel like there are some advantages to being an older and more experienced prospect?
Porter: “I definitely do. I think [my experience] has already prepared me to be a pro and I feel like I’m handling myself as a pro, so [I’m not dealing with] a lot of the little hiccups that some younger players might have to go through – like needing a little bit more time to develop or anything off the court. I just feel like with me being older and being through things that they haven’t experienced, it just prepared me a little bit more than they are.”
Which players would you compare yourself to? Who do you like to study?
Porter: “There are a couple players I study. Definitely Lonzo Ball, that’s one of my top ones. One of my favorite players growing up was Rajon Rondo, just him being able to do a little bit of everything, even if he couldn’t shoot the ball (which I feel like obviously I can do a lot better than him). I mean, just being able to rebound, get his teammates involved and score when needed. Really, those comparisons are probably my top-two, for sure.”
If an NBA general manager asked why should they draft you, what would you say?
Porter: “I’d probably say that I’m the type of person who doesn’t necessarily need to be ‘the guy’ or the face of something to impact it. I can impact winning in many different ways. You can throw me in there for one minute and I’m going to make a big difference in that one minute or 30 seconds or [however long I’m in]. My attention to detail is really high. I’m just an older guy who needs a chance. I take this really seriously – this is honestly my life. Really, being able to show what I can do is life or death to me.”
What do you bring to a team off the court? Do you think you can have an impact in the locker room as a leader or glue guy?
Porter: “Definitely, I’m a pretty calm person and, like I said before, there’s almost nothing that I haven’t been through. I know what it’s like to win, I know what it’s like to lose and I know what it’s like to go through adversity. Really, my biggest thing is that I’m able to lead and get guys to pay attention and listen, even if they’re frustrated or whatever. That was one of the things I was challenged on over the last two years, so it’s something that I’ve definitely developed over the years. But yeah, I’m definitely a good person off the court who can help guys keep their mental.”
What are your plans for draft night?
Porter: “I think I’m just going to have some of my family and friends over at my parents’ house, and we’re just going to watch the draft. Hopefully, my name is called. If it’s not, we’re all still going to hang out and I’ll spend some time with my family.”
-----------------
https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article274432340.html#storylink=cpy
Wichita State’s Craig Porter gains NBA traction with performance at PIT tournament
If Craig Porter Jr. wasn’t on the radar for NBA teams before, then his performance this past week at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament likely changed that.
In a tournament featuring 64 of the top senior college basketball players in the country, the Wichita State point guard managed to turn heads with his defense and leaping ability. He tied the 70-year-old tournament’s record for steals with 10 in three games on top of averaging 9.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 blocks.
“I really just wanted to get my name out there as much as I could and put myself in the best position to get to the next level,” Porter said. “I think I showed I’m a player who can do it all. I don’t necessarily need to score or need the ball. I can still influence the game defensively. I can rebound. I can really do whatever a team needs me to do to help them win.”
Porter earned all-conference honors after he averaged 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks this past season, while registering just the second triple-double by a Shocker in the past half-century. Despite the success, Porter is currently not considered in contention to be among the 60 draft picks of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Even if he doesn’t end up being drafted, Porter’s breakout performance in Virginia has created a buzz about his game. He said he met with eight different NBA teams while at the PIT, which could lead to an invitation to the NBA G League Elite Camp next month in Chicago and to NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in July.
A Sports Illustrated recap of the event labeled Porter “the most intriguing point guard prospect in PIT,” while NBA draft experts on social media took notice of his 34.5-inch vertical, which was the highest measured among the player pool, and ability to fill up the stat sheet after a game where he finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and five steals.
"That’s what this is all about, building your name up from nothing,” said Porter, who has signed with agent Ryan Straining from the Devore Sports Group. “Hopefully I can get a Summer League spot, but I’m just going to keep working. I really just wanted to get as much knowledge on what I needed to do to get to that next level. What I need to work on, my strengths, my weaknesses. Just getting as much information as possible.”
Following the tournament, Porter returned to Wichita, where he is finishing an internship and is on track to graduate with his degree in May. He plans on doing most of his training in Wichita, but could move back to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, after getting his degree, depending on where workouts might lead him.
He’s focused on becoming a professional basketball player, but said he still reflects fondly on his three-year career with the Shockers. He was on the WSU team that overcame a coaching change and played during a pandemic to lead the program to its first American Athletic Conference championship and back to the NCAA tournament. Although the Shockers didn’t have as much success as he wanted his final two years, he says he is proud of what he and his teammates accomplished.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the way we handled everything,” Porter said. “It was just a blessing to even be in the position that I was. I can’t thank coach (Isaac) Brown and the coaching staff enough for giving me an opportunity to lead and do what I can do. I thrived in that role and I tried to do the best I could.”
Porter was disappointed to see Brown, who finished with a 48-34 record in three seasons, fired so quickly after this past season. Brown has since been replaced by Oral Roberts coach Paul Mills.
Brown called Porter in the immediate aftermath of his firing and promised to help him in whatever way he could become a pro. Brown has since kept that promise to Porter, as the star player has remained in close contact with his former head coach with Brown even playing a central role in helping Porter be included in the PIT field.
“That says so much about his character that he’s still willing to help me out like that,” Porter said. “He has been a blessing and I’m so thankful for him. I have to give him the most credit out of anybody because he’s done nothing but help me thrive since I’ve come to Wichita. I can’t even thank him enough. Everybody knows he’s a good guy, but he really is a lot better coach than what fans think. He never had a losing record and all I can say is that I’ve got nothing but respect and love for him.”
Another topic that Porter touched on was his willingness to play for the AfterShocks, Wichita State’s alumni team that competes in The Basketball Tournament every summer. It’s not likely Porter plays this summer with him trying to make an impression on pro scouts for his first landing spot, but he said he is more than up for the challenge if needed.
“I would for sure play with them in the TBT,” Porter said. “I already told them, ‘If y’all need a point guard, let me know.’ I ain’t opposed to doing it at all. It will bring me back to Wichita and this is my second home. It would be fun to play in front of everybody at Koch Arena again.”
When your a 6-2 PG and you lead your team in RPG and BPG you have me intrigued. He also wasn't terrible as a shooter last year. He does a little bit of everything. Could be a nice 3rd guard behind Garland and Mitchell if he develops right.
This is the right use of the 2-way. He is a good defender and produces on offense. Also has decent size for a pg. Seems like a guy who might develop into a serviceable backup.
The Larry Nance legacy continues as Pete Nance is signed to an Exhibit 10 deal
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Cavs sign Pete Nance, son of franchise legend, to exhibit 10 contract, sources say
A 6-foot-10 forward who went undrafted Thursday night, Pete Nance will be with the Cavs at summer league and training camp.
adam81king
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The Larry Nance legacy continues as Pete Nance is signed to an Exhibit 10 deal
Cavs sign Pete Nance, son of franchise legend, to exhibit 10 contract, sources say
A 6-foot-10 forward who went undrafted Thursday night, Pete Nance will be with the Cavs at summer league and training camp.
He's not exactly a bruiser/enforcer, but I like him as a player.
Bob_The_Cat
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Not speaking to this specifically, but I really did not like their draft at all relative to the picks they had. Who knows, maybe they flip stuff for veteran help, but they looked to be headed in a great direction after last year. Just not a big fan of either pick for them.
I like Black as a prospect. I don't mind him getting picked at 6. I assumed Black would go in the 6 to 10 range. I do question the Jett Howard pick though. Jett was someone I thought would go in the 20s.
Green Lantern
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Is everyThe Larry Nance legacy continues as Pete Nance is signed to an Exhibit 10 deal
Cavs sign Pete Nance, son of franchise legend, to exhibit 10 contract, sources say
A 6-foot-10 forward who went undrafted Thursday night, Pete Nance will be with the Cavs at summer league and training camp.
Is every Nance 6'10? Wow..The Larry Nance legacy continues as Pete Nance is signed to an Exhibit 10 deal
Cavs sign Pete Nance, son of franchise legend, to exhibit 10 contract, sources say
A 6-foot-10 forward who went undrafted Thursday night, Pete Nance will be with the Cavs at summer league and training camp.
Melancholy Jaques
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I didn't see much of Isaiah Mobley last year. What are the chances he can contribute at the NBA level?