In Memory of Howard Porter

(Boulder-CO) Many have forgotten the name Howard Porter, but it saddens me deeply to report that the man known as “Geezer” has passed away. Howard was a three-time All-American at Villanova where he led the ‘Cats to the NCAA championship game in 1971 before losing to the powerhouse UCLA Bruins. Porter was also named the NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player before both Villanova’s runner-up finish and his personal honor were stripped due to the Geezer’s involvement with an agent.

Porter died a little over a week after he was found severely beaten in an alley. He was 58.

Police are still trying to figure out exactly what happened to a man who had his share of problems, but emerged from a drug rehab program in Minnesota in 1989 and turned his life around. Since his turn around, Porter had been working as a probation officer for Ramsey County, Minnesota. There have been no arrests in connection with Porter’s attack.

He averaged 22.8 points and 14.8 rebounds at Villanova from 1968-71. In 1997, Villanova retired Porter’s No. 54 jersey, and he holds the university’s career record for rebounds with 1,317.

Often times forgotten when the greatest names of college basketball are dropped, but Howard “Geezer” Porter will be remembered dearly and missed forever.

May the Geezer rest in peace.