On February 8, after scoring double-doubles in two consecutive games, sophomore Demetrius Porter was named the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Men’s Basketball Co-Player of the Week. While on the road in New York City on February 1, Porter garnered a career-high 33 points and 11 rebounds against Hunter College. With his impressive performance in this game, Porter successfully put himself in the record books for the Connecticut College men’s basketball program. After shooting 9-for-11 from the free throw line and 12-for-17 from the field, Porter scored more points in a single game than any Camel since 2006.
Porter continued to tally points for the Camels against Wesleyan on February 6, as he collected 31 points and 11 rebounds achieving his seventh double-double of the season.
For those of you not familiar with basketball terminology, a double-double is the accumulation of a double-digit number total in two of the five categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots) in a game. The most common double-double combination is points-rebounds, which is Porter’s proven strong suit.
Men’s basketball head coach, Tom Satran, has expressed his pride with Porter’s recent intensity and presence on the court. In a statement on the Connecticut College Athletics website, Satran said, “Demetrius has been really consistent over the past three games. He is finishing at the basket, driving the ball out of the high post and knocking down his free throws. When he has those three parts of his game going at once, he is really tough to stop.”
I had the chance to speak with the 6’6”, soft-spoken sophomore to find out what’s behind his success.
VOICE: How long have you been playing basketball?
PORTER: I have been playing since I was six years old.
VOICE: How did you first get started in the sport? Was there anyone in particular that influenced you to play basketball?
PORTER: Football and basketball were popular sports when I was growing up. I grew up watching Michael Jordan and my dad play. My parents always had me in a seasonal sport.
VOICE: Where did you first start playing? What types of teams did you primarily play on as a kid?
PORTER: I grew up in Virginia Beach as a kid. Since my father lived in Brooklyn, NY, I would always spend summers there. I grew up playing in a lot of recreational and park leagues. I think, since I was always back and forth from New York and Virginia, I had the opportunity to be exposed to both playing styles.
VOICE: Did you play any other sports in addition to basketball?
PORTER: Yes I have played other sports. I used to play football and also had the opportunity be part of the first ever Brooklyn fencing club for a year.
VOICE: You said that your dad used to play basketball. Has he kept you motivated throughout your basketball career?
PORTER: My family has always been my biggest source of inspiration and motivation.
VOICE: How has basketball influenced your life?
PORTER: It has truly shaped my life. Basketball has been a tool for me to receive a better education and to stay focused on my goals in life.
VOICE: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
PORTER: I usually just take a nap, wake up and then listen to loud music to get ready for the game.
VOICE: Did you prepare for this season any differently than your last season?
PORTER: No not really, I just completed the normal summer workouts.
Porter has successfully established himself as a strong competitor in the New England Division III basketball world. After his freshman season, he was named the 2009 NESCAC Rookie of the Year.
This season, Porter is currently ranked sixth in the NESCAC for scoring with 16.7 points per game, fifth in rebounding with eight boards per game, and fourth in blocked shots with 1.77 per game.
Porter leads the Camels in both total scoring and total rebounds as the 2010 season comes to a close.
