Chris Porter

By Allyson Turner

Auburn ranks as one of the country's major surprises this season, and a big reason is newcomer Chris Porter. The forward arrived at Auburn following two years in junior college and has led the Tigers to a No. 2 ranking in the AP polls. Porter has averaged 28.3 points, with 211 rebounds, 11 blocks and 49 steals.

Last season at Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Fla., Porter was first-team All-America and averaged 24.4 points and 11.8 rebounds. He was named the Panhandle Conference Player of the Year. As a freshman, he averaged 22.3 ponts and 11.0 rebounds and was All-America honorable mention.

Recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons says Porter is "Auburn's best signee since Charles Barkley. He's great. He's one of the top two junior college players in the nation. He's a major impact player." That's exactly what Porter has shown this season.

 

Chris Porter scored 1,332 points in 58 games (22.9 ppg) in his two years at Chipola Junior College. (Photo courtesy of Auburn)

Do you think your team gets the respect it deserves?
It doesn't even really matter. They'll respect us eventually. One day they will have respect for us.

What are you intimidated by?
Absolutely nothing.

Before a game, what do you always do?
Focus on our opponents and the task at hand.

What was the craziest thing a girl did to get your attention?
They always come up to me and say weird things. I just smile and don't say anything. I have my game face on.

If I were to push "play" on your CD player, what would be playing?
DMX.

What is one word or phrase that best describes your personality?
Quiet.

Which NBA player's game is most similar to yours?
I can't see anyone's game similar to mine. Everyone has their own style, but if I had to say someone I'd say Scottie Pippen.

What is it like on campus now that the basketball team is the main story?
It's ecstatic. You have students walking on campus talking about the dunk that I had, and just talking about the team in general.

What will it mean if, after you leave Auburn, your name is mentioned in the same breathe as Charles Barkely and Bo Jackson?
It will feel great to carry that on with me. That will mean a lot to me. I'm not really an award type of guy. I just like to go out and play the game of basketball.

When did you first know you wanted to be a basketball player?
Ever since I was a little kid growing up. I played other sports but I stuck with basketball more than anything else.

Who had the most influence on your game?
All my coaches, from high school to junior college to Auburn. Each has pushed something different to make me the player that I am today.

After the success you've had, what are you thoughts on playing in the NBA?
That's the last thing on my mind right now.

What are your expectations for this team in the NCAA Tournament?
As long as we take one game at a time and take each task one at time, the tournament will take care of itself.

What is a perfect day?
Waking up every morning at 8 a.m. and going to class at 9 a.m. Getting out at 12 and eating lunch with friends, then socializing with the team. Then lacing it up and going out on the court. I love the game of basketball.