Porter officially says adios

April 15, 2013 - Ending months of speculation he would likely bolt, sophomore forward Otto Porter did just that this afternoon, announcing at Georgetown's McDonough Arena he will forgo his final two years of collegiate experience by turning professional. His coach, Thompson iii]John Thompson III, flanked Porter at his news conference, attended by local and national media figures.

"It was tough decision. I love Georgetown, I love my coaches, my teammates" said Porter in his typical understated fashion, after announcing he would in fact leave. A big point with his family was returning to get his degree, which was pledged.

Porter also indicated a perceived weak National Basketball Association Draft did not impact his decision. Though the league has not finalized team draft positions - thereby making any speculation regarding team selections moot - many prognosticators believe the 6'8", first team Wooden All-American forward a certain top 14 selection, and possible lottery (one, two, or three) choice.

Thompson played a large, supporting role in the eventual decision.

"It's just literally…I have access to more information than him. And just give him the information" said the coach, on his input. "This is where they see, this is where the experts, making the choices, not just someone behind a keyboard…have you projected".

At that point, the proverbial ball was in Porter's court.

"And so it's just incumbent on him to decide what he wanted to do. He did not have a bad influence, so it was just him making the choice he wanted to do".

"I knew it was coming down to it" revealed Porter, after indicating in-season, a 27-5, NCAA Tournament campaign for the Hoyas, his draft status was no contemplated. The same held true, even after the team's stuffing first round Big Dance loss to Florida Gulf Coast.

"My coaches and my teammates got me prepared on and off the court. As a human being, I'm prepared to take on the world" he said. The "toughest part was leaving a place like this…I had to think about it every night".

The Hoya Nation will long think about Otto Porter as well, for past exploits and future endeavors. His sophomore season, one in which he was a national player of the year finalist, got tabbed BIG EAST Player of the Year, was first team all conference, and made the national All-American listing, will not be forgotten.

Discuss Porter's decision on Premium Court. More of his and Thompson's statements will be published tomorrow, out of respect for the recent Boston Marathon tragedy..