In spite of battling injuries and having tough shooting nights, Antwon Portley is determined to finish his senior season strong. Fordham celebrated Senior Day at Rose Hill Gym last Saturday and he was among the seniors who were being honored. Portley finished his final home game with 11 points. Pretty fitting that he and senior Erton Gazi were not only the two leading scorers (22 points), but the only players to score in double digits.
That scoring is going to be important if Fordham is going anywhere in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Portley and Jalen Cobb need to shoot the ball efficiently to complement Joel Soriano’s interior play, or else it could be a long day against George Washington. Many people are going to have Fordham as a one and done in this tournament but that’s ok for Portley.
“We’re going to be a group of guys that’s coming out there, with our back against the wall, with nothing to lose, coming out fighting and swinging,” said Portley.
The 6’4 guard from Lancaster, Texas, is a transfer from Saint Peters University, where he spent his first two years playing college ball. When he came to Fordham he was immediately an impact player, becoming one of the Rams leading scorers last year and a guy who could hit big shots down the stretch.
Portley, Fordham and fighting through adversity
This year hasn’t been easy. Portley’s had to battle an ankle injury and fall in and out of the starting lineup.
“Injuries are a part of the game, it’s something you can’t avoid,” said Portley. “It’s always hard missing games but it’s something you have to deal with.”
So, what’s next for Portley? After the season he’s going to try and get healthy. Then he’ll look to see where he’ll play professionally. He even has his eye on coaching in the future.
Whatever he chooses to do the sky’s the limit for Portley. When asked what’s the biggest thing he’s learned during his time at Fordham, he responded with, “being able to fight through adversity. We had a rocky season this year but being able to fight through adversity.”
