Howard Porter (basketball)

Howard Porter (August 31, 1948 – May 26, 2007) was an American professional basketball player. A 6'8" forward/center, he is best known for his collegiate career at Villanova University and his subsequent professional career in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Porter was a dominant force for Villanova, leading the Wildcats to the 1971 NCAA Championship game against UCLA, a game they lost by a narrow margin. His performance in the tournament earned him the Most Outstanding Player award, although the award was later vacated.

Following his junior year, Porter declared hardship and was drafted into both the ABA and NBA. He initially signed with the Virginia Squires of the ABA but was traded to the Pittsburgh Condors. He played one season in the ABA before being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1971 NBA draft.

Porter played in the NBA for seven seasons, including stints with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and New Jersey Nets. His best season statistically was with the Bulls in 1972-73, where he averaged 13.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Later in life, Porter struggled with personal issues and substance abuse. He was found dead in 2007 in Minneapolis. A police investigation determined his death to be an accident.

His legacy is complex, remembered both for his exceptional basketball talent and the controversies that surrounded him, including allegations of receiving improper benefits during his time at Villanova, which led to the team's NCAA tournament runner-up finish being vacated.