By Malika Andrews |
The new Pilot basketball coach is a two time NBA all-star, a former NBA coach and a local legend. On Friday night, the University of Portland announced Terry Porter has committed to takeover as the 21st head coach of the men’s basketball team.
“I am honored that Scott Leykam and University President Fr. Mark Poorman have given me this opportunity,” Porter said in a press release. “I’m excited about working tirelessly to continue to build this program up and establish a great tradition of Portland Basketball."
Porter mentioned that although he has coached at the “highest level in the NBA,” college has always been “intriguing” because of the impact his college coach, Dick Bennett, had on him. This is his first college coaching job.
Porter was the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2003-2005 and the Phoenix Suns from 2008-2009. He served as an assistant coach at Minnesota, Sacramento and Detroit. He is well known in the Portland area as the point guard who shared a backcourt with Clyde Drexler. Porter was a two time all-star with the Blazers, led the team to two finals appearances and his number 30 jersey is retired by the franchise. Currently, he is ranked 14th on the NBA's all-time assist leaderboard with 7,160 assists. This is his first college coaching job.
In addition to his basketball background, in Portland’s press release, Athletic Director Scott Leykam said that Porter is a “perfect fit” for the University and its mission.
“Terry has proven that he is a man of high character and integrity with a competitive drive that will translate well to this new opportunity,” Leykam said. “We want the City of Portland to embrace us and get on board with an exciting new chapter of Pilot basketball.”
Point guard Alec Wintering said he welcomes the coaching change.
“(I’m) really excited for what coach Porter is going to bring,” Wintering said. “It’s a great hire for this program and this University.”
Porter will be Wintering’s second coach that is also a former NBA star. Wintering played for Muggsy Bogues in North Carolina during high school.
Porter is the only African-American coach at UP.
An introductory press conference will be held on Tuesday at 12 p.m. in the Chiles Center. The event is open to the public.
Contact sports editor at andrewsm17@up.edu or on Twitter @malika_andrews
