During her freshman season, Amber Porter surprised many opponents with her ability to score, rebound, and block shots at a record-setting pace.
To some extent, she even surprised herself.
"I was kind of surprised that I did what I did, being Freshman of the Year, and other stuff," Porter said. "I didn't really come in expecting (to do) that."
As Porter and the Hatters prepare for the 2014-15 campaign, head coach Lynn Bria is expecting even more production out of her 6-foot-3 center this season.
"I think she is much improved from last year," Bria said. "Offensively, she can post up with her back to the basket and score. She commands double teams which helps the rest of our players. She touches the ball a lot in our offense. Defensively, if she is not blocking the shot, she is altering the shot of our opponents."
The Hatters know that Porter will not be a secret this season, and the sophomore will receive more than her fair share of attention on the offensive end.
"Coach Bria has talked about the fact that other teams are going to trap and double me a lot," Porter said. "It is something that I need to be working on in practice. I need to be strong with the ball and make sure I make strong passes out when they come double or triple me."
Porter worked hard this summer on her ballhandling skills and her perimeter shooting. She says she wants to be more relaxed and confident with the ball and limit her turnovers. Hitting a few outside shots will help build her confidence as well.
On the defensive end, the Hatter sophomore will likely continue to swat away opponents' shots and be a major presence in the paint. Her 129 blocks last year was the most by and freshman in the country and the fifth-highest total by a freshman in NCAA history. Atlantic Sun coaches voted her as the league's preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Porter's summer workout also resulted in the addition of 20-pounds to her frame, and Bria has already noticed a huge difference.
"From last year she has gotten a lot stronger, which is something she needed," Bria said.
Porter is also more fit, often leading the team in sprints during practice. She averaged close to 25 minutes a game last season, but with the injury to teammate Cherisse Burris, Porter may see even more minutes this season. However, those minutes will only be available if Porter can limit her fouls.
"That is a huge focus," Porter said. "Even my mom tells me every time I talk to her to stay out of foul trouble."
When the Hatters open the season at 5:30 p.m. Friday with a home game vs. Bethune-Cookman, Hatter fans will get a good look at a stronger, more confident, more fit, and more experienced Amber Porter. Opponents will not be surprised, but it may not matter.
