Declan Porter, A Name to Look Out For

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Declan Porter, a rising junior at Canton Central School (Section X), is on the verge of breaking out. Porter, a 16-year-old, 6’6, 195 lb. forward who will run with the Albany City Rocks this summer, has impressed many thus far.

Porter has been a member of his school’s varsity team for three years. He averaged 19.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.2 blocks per game this past season. Also, he surpassed the 1,000 point mark during Canton’s remarkable playoff run (lost in state championship). Porter was named to the NYSPHSAA Boys Class B all-tournament team for his efforts.

As his numbers suggest, Porter is a very versatile player. He is adept at shooting the ball, both in catch-and-shoot situations and off the dribble. An array of dribble moves and a silky-smooth release allows Porter to create shots for himself with ease. He often will take defenders down in the post and finish, too. He’s a very capable defender, as well. Porter has great physical tools and uses them to his advantage. He uses his length to get into the passing lanes and disrupt the offense.

Porter has garnered interest from several schools at the Division 1 level, namely St. Bonaventure, Siena, Vermont, Niagara, Dartmouth, and George Mason. He’s confident that more schools will enter the process as he continues to enhance his skillset. This off-season, Porter is dedicating himself to improving his all-around game, but will focus particularly on getting to the paint and finishing through contact. Porter averages a 92% in the classroom while taking a tough schedule full of honors and AP courses.

I had the chance to ask Declan a few questions of my own:
Q: What do you believe are your best skills as a basketball player?
A: I’m a pretty versatile player. I like to play on the perimeter but when I get a mismatch I can bring them into the post. I am known to be a shooter but I’ve been working on getting to the hole.
Q: What are some things you like to do outside of basketball?
A: I play quarterback on the football team. I enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Q: What impact do you feel you would bring to a college team?
A: I believe that on a college team I would bring a wide skill set and I would do whatever I had to do to make the team successful.
Q: Every kid who plays basketball thinks they’re good. What do you think you are?
A: I think I’m a pretty decent player who still has a lot of work to do in order to reach his maximum potential.
Q: What is your ultimate goal, with respect to the game of basketball?
A: My ultimate goal is to play basketball at the highest level possible and receive a good education doing so.

Dan Cohen-Staff writer