Scott County Central celebrates Otto Porter, Jr. Day

SIKESTON -- Playing in front of thousands of fans and being drafted into the National Basketball Association hasn't changed Otto Porter, Jr.

He's still stricken with awe and amazement that his small, hometown school would chose the humble star to name their basketball court after.

"I was shocked when I first heard," Porter said. "My dad called me and told me they wanted to name the court after me and I was like, 'What?' It's pretty cool."

The Scott County Central school district and the surrounding towns that make it up (Morley, Haywood City and Vanduser) honored Porter by dedicating the court at Ronnie Cookson Gymnasium in his name as well as retiring his high school playing number, 22, Friday night. They also announced a proclamation that August 16 will forever be known as Otto Porter, Jr. day in Scott County.

"This is a small, loving community," said Porter. "Everybody around here knows everybody, which is awesome. They treat you like they are your family. They've been watching me every since I was little and growing up. They knew I had the possibility of getting to this point. It's just all love."

Porter, who was drafted third overall in this years NBA draft by the Washington Wizards, arrived at Scott County Central High School at 6:15 p.m. He gave a live television interview and was soon seated among seven guest speakers.

The speakers included mayors of the three surrounding communities (Johnathan McNeely (Morley), Johnny Avance (Haywood City) and Harold Gene Graviett (Vanduser).

"My first memories of Otto were seeing him jogging around town early in the morning," McNeely said during his speech. "...We are certainly proud to be able to call him one of our own."

Scott County Commissioner Jamie Burger also spoke, followed by U.S. Congressman of Missouri's 8th District Jason Smith.

Hall of Fame head coach Ronnie Cookson spoke next.

"You have no idea how proud I am and how much this affects me," Cookson said, referring to Porter being drafted. "I've coached a lot of kids over the years and I think we should have had a few more go. For a coach to have one of your kids go to the NBA, it's what you try to do. It really is special."

Former Georgetown assistant coach and current assistant coach for Memphis University, Robert Kirby was also in attendance. Kirby was essential in nabbing Porter for Georgetown University where the former Braves star was later named the Big East Player of the Year during his second and last season with the Hoyas.

"For a local kid like this to accomplish the things he's accomplished academically and athletically, it speaks volumes," Kirby said. "It speaks from his family background, how he was raised and his self-discipline and dedication to the game to his academics.

"As a coach on the level that I'm on, you recruit good character guys as well as guys who can play. (Porter) is what you're looking for."

Porter was then given his banner representing the retirement of his high school jersey number. Soon after, Porter's signature was revealed on the court in two places and then the current Washington Wizard addressed the crowd.

He thanked the Scott Central administration, his family and the fans for the honor.

"It's amazing to come back home," Porter said. "This really is my home where I can come back from playing and just enjoy myself, my family and my friends."

A rare appearance and speech by Porter's father, Otto Porter, Sr., came next, after a bit of coaxing from his NBA son and Scott Central Superintendent Al McFerren.

Porter became an instant star for the Braves during his career at Scott Central, which started in 2008. He helped the Braves to a third place finish in the Class 1 state tournament as a freshman and led them to three-straight state championships after that.

He became the second leading scorer in Scott County Central history with 2,480 points -- 34 points shy of its all-time leading scorer and a member of Porter's family, Marcus Timmons. Porter is also the fourth leading rebounder with 1,192 -- 541 behind his father who topped out at a seemingly impossible record of 1,733 rebounds while also with the Braves from 1972-76.

"To me, I feel like I'm representing so many more -- it's not just me," Porter said. "It's my family, the people who came through Scott Central and the community. That's who I play for."