Cover boy fires up Ginebra

Chris Porter, who graced the cover of the Nov. 15, 1999, issue of Sports Illustrated as "Da Man" of NCAA top-seed Auburn University, is still on trial as Barangay Ginebra’s import in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference.

But judging from his PBA debut last Wednesday, Porter appears to be a cinch to keep the job. He compiled 31 points, 24 rebounds, four assists and four steals in 40 minutes as Ginebra downed Talk ‘N’ Text, 97-92, at the Cuneta Astrodome. Porter also played a key role in limiting Phone Pals star Asi Taulava to only six points.

"Porter’s like a bigger version of Rosell Ellis," said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen, referring to the former Kings import who gained a solid reputation for his bell-to-bell style. "He brings a lot of energy to the team."

Watching over Porter is injured Sean Lampley who led Ginebra to a 7-7 mark before being sidelined.

"Sean’s a real professional," continued Tanquingcen. "He’s taking Chris out to dinner and helping him out on things we do offensively and defensively. They were teammates with the Dakota Wizards (in the US minors)."

Ginebra team manager Allan Caidic said the Kings were lucky to pick up Porter.

"There were other teams after him but he wasn’t available when they called," noted Caidic. "When we called, he just became available so we were at the right place, at the right time to get him."

Caidic described Porter as a do-it-all player who shifts from three to four, depending on the matchups and where he fits in the team’s system.

"Chris is very coachable and has a great attitude," said Caidic. "Masipag sa practice and he inspires his teammates because he works so hard. He’s an NBA player so his talent is a given. He’s very smart and he knows how to play the PBA game because the rules are almost identical to the NBA’s."

It’s not certain if Lampley will be reactivated to reclaim his spot or continue to sit on the sidelines. That would depend on Lampley’s recovery from injury and Porter’s progress. Porter will likely be on trial for another game before a decision is made.

Porter, 27, was the Golden State Warriors’ second round pick in the 2000 NBA draft. He played only a year in the NBA, averaging 8.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 2000-01. Then, Porter saw action in Italy, Portugal and China before landing here.

"Porter plays all over the court — out on the break, coming off screens in Auburn’s motion offense, posting up on set plays, leaping like a madman to distract the inbounds passer in one of (coach Cliff) Ellis’ countless trapping defenses," wrote Jack McCallum of Sports Illustrated.

Porter was called Auburn’s best cager since Charles Barkley and a major impact player by recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons. "He’s mobile, athletic and plays with relentless effort," said Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook editor Chris Dortch.

Porter could’ve applied for the NBA draft after a spectacular first season at Auburn where he averaged 16 points, 8.6 rebounds and 28.7 minutes to lead the Tigers to a 29-4 record and a Sweet 16 spot in 1998-99. He decided to stay on campus to earn a criminal justice degree.

"Statistics alone don’t do justice to Porter," said Dortch. "He is one of those rare players who makes everyone around him better. An intense competitor who knows only one speed — all-out — Porter was an inspiration to his teammates. Porter just wouldn’t let Auburn lose. In a game at Louisiana State, Auburn trailed by 19 with 10:47 to play but rallied to win. Porter scored several clutch baskets en route to 26 points. That was the rallying cry for Porter and Auburn all season — just keep fighting."

During the year, Porter made it to highlight reels all over the US by once elevating for an offensive rebound, grabbing the ball with an extended arm near his waist and windmilling it through the hoop in a thundering slam — all in a single airborne motion.

Once asked who is his NBA idol, Porter pointed to former Boston Celtics center Dave Cowens because "he always came hard and was relentless in everything he did." Cowens was his coach at Golden State.

Before enrolling at Auburn, Porter scored 1,332 points in 58 games over two years at Chipola Junior College. He was named one of the top two Juco players in the US in 1997-98, the other being Shawn Marion.

Although he played only a year in the NBA, Porter was guaranteed a salary of over $780,000 for two seasons. He was traded to Charlotte but was cut before the 2001-02 season started.

As for playing overseas, Porter told writer Jorge Siarra that the game is the same anywhere. "Basketball is all about space, timing," said Porter. "The same things matter wherever you play. I’m just happy and grateful for being able to live doing what I love to do— play basketball."

Two years ago, Porter intimated that he still hoped to return to the NBA. "I still think about the NBA," he said. "I still want to return to the league. Hopefully, somebody in the NBA seems me play, sees how much I’ve improved over the years and gives me a chance to return."

For the time being, it looks like Porter has found a new home at Barangay Ginebra.