Fresno State Athletics
It's Elementary
3/1/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 1, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - Committing to something for 11 years shows a great deal about a person's dedication. When that something is basketball and that someone is senior point guard Demetrius Porter, it's not hard too understand how the two are related.
It was as a fifth grader, when Porter first experienced the lure of being a point guard. He accepted the responsibility of leading his older teammates of the seventh and eight grades. During that time, he learned how to dish out assists, drive the lane and shoot the three. After all, he had to do something to make up for his lack in height in order to play with the older kids. He had to show them he was capable of competing at their level.
"I was able to show everybody that I could play with the older kids. Because I was shorter than everyone else, I had to prove that I belonged on the court," said Porter. All of the teasing and taunting encouraged Porter to work harder. His hard work would pay off as he entered high school.
As a freshman, Porter was a starter for the varsity squad. He continued to improve, this time as a two-guard. Just as playing in the fifth grade brought on new challenges, so would be a shooting guard. During his freshman and sophomore years, Porter learned how to be a shooter and a playmaker. His newfound role allowed him to learn a different perspective of the game, one that would allow him to become a better all-around athlete.
Later on into high school, Porter began to watch the infamous, Runnin' Rebels of the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, a team formerly coached by the current Bulldogs' head coach Jerry Tarkanian. But it's not coincidence that Porter would end up playing for coach Tarkanian. Porter had always admired the play of the Runnin' Rebels. As he sat watching the games on television, thoughts of playing college basketball began to run through his mind.
"I saw how hard they worked, and it made me realize what I needed to do to be able to play in college," admitted Porter. Little did he know that in a matter of three years, he would be playing for the very same coach, while becoming a legend of his own at Fresno State.
Porter became inspired and driven to play at the next level. In his senior year at Washington Union, he averaged 23.9 points, 6.5 assists, 5.3 steals and 4.6 rebounds in addition to leading the team to the state Division IV championship.
His impressive statistics had many colleges vying for his commitment, but Porter knew exactly where he wanted to be. Tarkanian had just finished his first season at Fresno State, a successful one that resulted in a NIT Quarterfinals appearance while finishing with a record of 22-11. So Porter saw his potential as a college athlete grow and any uncertainty as to where he should go, thrown out. He knew under the tutelage of Tarkanian, he would be able to improve as a player and be a part of a winning tradition.
The moment he stepped onto the hardwood of Selland Arena, Porter envisioned good things to come of his decision. Over the four years as a point guard at Fresno State, Porter has seen his play improve. Within his first three years, Porter improved his statistics from just 3.1 points per game, to 14.0 PPG, his assists from 68 to 200, rebounds from 29 to 102 and 20 three-pointers to 83. In addition, he has developed into a premier point guard in the Western Athletic Conference and the NCAA. He led the WAC and ranked 23rd in the NCAA in assists last season.
For Porter, his experiences as a student-athlete have allowed him to improve as a player and as a person. "Coach Tark has taught me how to be humble," stated Porter. "Never think that you're better than anyone, just be yourself." Porter credits his success to his teammates as well. He recognizes that it takes an entire team to develop a player. "I've learned a lot from the guys that have been here and who are here now. To be able to play with them, I had to get better."
Although his days as a Bulldog are numbered, Porter can reflect back to when he first started playing basketball in the fifth grade and say with confidence that he has been fortunate.
"Playing with Fresno State has allowed me to become mentally stronger, to focus and develop a great work ethic. I know the harder I work, the more success I will have." It seems though that Porter recognized early on his hard would result in success. After all, he went from being the youngest member of his fifth grade team, to being a leader of a Division I basketball team.
