DURHAM, N.C. – Keishon Porter has dazzled fans with high-flying dunks and stellar play on both ends of the floor during his two years at North Carolina Central.

Last Monday was a case in point. An airborne Porter caught a lob pass over a flat-footed Norfolk State defender for a rim-rattling alley-oop dunk in the first half.

McDougald-McLendon Arena erupted.

The 6-5 Porter brought fans to their feet again in overtime in the home win over Norfolk State. He stole the ball at midcourt and let loose with a one-handed dunk that rattled the rim amid the loud roar from the crowd in McDougald-McLendon Arena.

He dunked with such force that the ball rebounded hard off the floor after going through the net. The slam gave the Eagles a four-point lead, just enough cushion to pull out a 91-87 win in the regular-season home finale.

The fans weren't the only ones going crazy that night.

"It just gives me an energy boost," Porter said about the dunks.

Porter entertained the fans and keyed the Eagles to victory over Norfolk State that night. He tied for game-high scoring honors with 24 points on 8 of 15 shooting. He added five rebounds and three steals in 30 minutes of playing time.

The steal and dunk exemplify what he brings to the Eagles' basketball team.

"If you really know my game and see it, people should know that it's not just dunking," said Porter, a shooting guard. "I make plays, I shoot the ball well and can create for myself off the dribble. And what people don't recognize is I guard; I'll go out every game and guard the best player on the other side."

The senior guard makes highlight-reel plays but is an integral part of the Eagles' team. Porter is the team's second-leading scorer (11.5 ppg) and co-leader in steals (1.3 spg).

He shoots nearly 50 percent from the floor and close to 40 percent from the three-point line. Porter also is a 71.2 percent free throw shooter. In the MEAC, Porter ranks 6^th in steals per game and 9^th in free throw percentage.

Porter is an all-around player but fans obviously notice his aerial game. Ever since his first throwdown as an eight-grader in middle school, Porter wowed crowds with his leaping ability in addition to his basketball skills.

A Pinetops, N.C., native, Porter once bounced the ball to himself for a windmill dunk during a game as a high school senior.

"That is my favorite dunk in a game," Porter said.

A football and basketball standout at Southwest Edgecombe High School, Porter was a top 25 hoops recruit in the state of North Carolina and an N.C. East-West All-Star game selection.

In his two seasons at NCCU, Porter has been a key contributor. He scored 37 points against South Carolina State and pulled down 10 rebounds against Mid-Atlantic Christian during his Eagles' career. He tallied four steals three times and two blocks five times. Porter has averaged 10 points and numerous dunks during his time in Durham.

With the MEAC Tournament starting this week, Porter wants to be known for more than his dunking or basketball talents. He wants to be a champion.

"It'll mean everything just seeing our names on that banner and just enjoying the moment with the guys you started out with," Porter said.

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