By MARK REY MONTEJO
With a heavy heart, Kris Porter set sail on a new path as he bade farewell to his long-time school Ateneo, he announced Monday, May 19.
The 19-year-old Porter said he has already disclosed his decision to the Blue Eagles’ manager Epok Quimpo, stressing it was a tough one to decide as he continues to seek for “personal growth.”
“This was a really tough decision. I spent my elementary years at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu before moving to Ateneo de Manila for high school and college,” said Porter.
“Ateneo has always been home to me, but I had to make this choice — even if I don’t have concrete plans yet on where I’ll go next. I believe it’s a necessary step for my personal growth,” he added.
Porter is proud owner of two Mythical Team awards during his high school years and that was his ticked to earning a slot at Ateneo where he normed 6.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game during his rookie year.
However, the Blue Eagle fell short in the Final Four race as they ended dead last in the standings with a 4-10 win-loss card – the school’s worst showing since revitalizing its program.
Porter also emphasized that he has no problems with his team nor the school, noting his departure was all about finding growth as student and as an athlete as well as changing the environment.
The Cebuano also said that he had conflicts in his first semester – affecting his schedules with the Tab Baldwin-mentored squad – which for him was a big learning experience that he could use in his future endeavors.
“There’s no discontentment at all,” he clarified. “I’m just looking for personal growth and a change of scenery. That’s really what this is about.”
Porter cleared that he didn’t have any talks to any schools so far as he prioritized first his well-being.
“I haven’t talked to any school,” Porter said. “Right now, I just need to rest. It’s been a long year, physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
