I didn't write about this yesterday because the initial story I was sent was just a few lines of wire copy. I figured at the time -- and I mean this sincerely -- that it was something that had already come and gone in the news cycle and that as such it wouldn't do me any good to write about it.
I sure was wrong about that.
Not because the story landed on the back page of the Daily News this morning, but because I didn't realize how big the shockwaves would be here.
Of course I knew that Porter is arguably the best player in Villanova history, and I still remember quite clearly the footage I saw of Porter's great duel with Ken Durrett that aired in the Palestra movie that came out over the winter.
Then I read Dana Pennett O'Neil's story in the Daily News, and the full gravity of the thing slammed me like I was standing in the way of him driving to the basket -- specifically, that he might die from the brain damage he suffered after being assaulted over the weekend.
You can probably tell from my headshot that I wasn't around here, or anywhere else on earth, in 1971. I've tried very hard in my time covering the Big 5 to learn as much of its history as I can, and I'd like to think I have a pretty decent idea of what went on before I got to Philadelphia.
One of the reasons that I'm so glad there's a full round robin now is that a new generation of fans has been introduced to what City Series basketball is about -- the full gyms, the noise, the color, the tough defense, the bragging rights -- even if the players are different and the spotlight isn't as bright as it used to be.
But obviously, I never saw Howard Porter, or Ken Durrett, or (perhaps being too honest) even Pepe Sanchez play in person.
So I have a really profound appreciation for Rich Hofmann's column this morning, because he wrote the perfect thing to sum the feelings up:
I never saw Howard Porter play in the Palestra, but I can close my eyes and see him. You know what I mean?
I think so. I hope so. I think I met Porter, and maybe interviewed him, at the Big 5's 50th anniversary banquet. I really hope I did that. I know I met and interviewed Paul Arizin, and when he died, as sad and sudden as that was, I at least took solace in having done so.
I know what Howard Porter looks like, and I remember that fabulous brown suit he was wearing (in that picture), and how many people were drawn to him... and I hope I did talk to him, because if we're about to lose another legend, we'd better all make sure we have our memories well-preserved.
What are your memories of him?
