Advertisement

Howard “Geezer” Porter

Advertisement

Howard “Geezer” Porter Famous memorial

Birth
Stuart, Martin County, Florida, USA
Death
25 May 2007 (aged 58)
Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA
Burial
Orlando, Orange County, Florida, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
View Source
Professional Basketball Player. Raised in a poor section of Sarasota, Florida, he practiced playing basketball with the aid of a makeshift rim and backboard. He distinguished himself during his years at Booker High School (Florida) and continued his athletic excellence at Villanova University. While with the Wildcats playing the forward and center positions, he was co-recipient of the Robert V. Geasey Award in 1969 given annually to the Most Outstanding Basketball Player of Philadelphia's "Big Five" schools. He earned Consensus 2nd Team All-American status in 1971, as he led Villanova to the 1970-1971 NCAA Title Game (defeated by UCLA) and received the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament Award. However, when it was revealed he had spoken to an agent about a professional contract with the ABA, (which is a violation of NCAA rules) Porter's honor was retracted. In addition, Villanova's accomplishments in the tournament were forfeited. Selected by Chicago during the 2nd round of the 1971 NBA Draft, he played seven seasons (1971 to 1978) in the National Basketball Association with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and New Jersey Nets. He appeared in 457 regular season games and compiled 4,215 points. Following his playing career, Porter sadly plunged into a world of drug usage. He gradually got his life back on track and returned to Villanova to attain a degree in English and Psychology. In 1997, his uniform number (54) was retired by Villanova. While working as a parole officer in Minneapolis, his life came to a violent end when he was found severely beaten and died from his injuries a week later. To date, Porter is still regarded as one of the greatest players to emerge from Philadelphia's "Big Five" schools.
Professional Basketball Player. Raised in a poor section of Sarasota, Florida, he practiced playing basketball with the aid of a makeshift rim and backboard. He distinguished himself during his years at Booker High School (Florida) and continued his athletic excellence at Villanova University. While with the Wildcats playing the forward and center positions, he was co-recipient of the Robert V. Geasey Award in 1969 given annually to the Most Outstanding Basketball Player of Philadelphia's "Big Five" schools. He earned Consensus 2nd Team All-American status in 1971, as he led Villanova to the 1970-1971 NCAA Title Game (defeated by UCLA) and received the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament Award. However, when it was revealed he had spoken to an agent about a professional contract with the ABA, (which is a violation of NCAA rules) Porter's honor was retracted. In addition, Villanova's accomplishments in the tournament were forfeited. Selected by Chicago during the 2nd round of the 1971 NBA Draft, he played seven seasons (1971 to 1978) in the National Basketball Association with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and New Jersey Nets. He appeared in 457 regular season games and compiled 4,215 points. Following his playing career, Porter sadly plunged into a world of drug usage. He gradually got his life back on track and returned to Villanova to attain a degree in English and Psychology. In 1997, his uniform number (54) was retired by Villanova. While working as a parole officer in Minneapolis, his life came to a violent end when he was found severely beaten and died from his injuries a week later. To date, Porter is still regarded as one of the greatest players to emerge from Philadelphia's "Big Five" schools.

Bio by: C.S.


Advertisement

Advertisement

How famous was Howard “Geezer” Porter ?

Current rating: 4.07407 out of 5 stars

54 votes

Sign-in to cast your vote.

  • Maintained by: Find a Grave
  • Originally Created by: C.S.
  • Added: May 27, 2007
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19553016/howard-porter: accessed ), memorial page for Howard “Geezer” Porter (31 Aug 1948–25 May 2007), Find a Grave Memorial ID 19553016, citing Washington Park Cemetery, Orlando, Orange County, Florida, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.