FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson was determined to make sure he didn't put too much on Bobby Portis too soon.
Anderson knew Portis faced enormous expectations coming into his freshman season a year ago. A forward from Little Rock Hall, he was the Razorbacks' first McDonald's All-American signee from the state since Russellville's Corliss Williamson in 1992.
During preseason practice, Anderson repeatedly cautioned fans and media to remember that Portis was an SEC newcomer and needed time to learn the game and develop at the college level.
"I didn't want the pressure on Bobby of being the savior of our program," Anderson said. "My deal with him was go at your own pace.
"Well, his pace turned out to be second-team all-conference."
Coaches voted Portis onto the All-SEC second team after a freshman season in which he averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 27.0 minutes while starting all 34 games and leading the Razorbacks to a 22-12 record and am NIT berth -- their first postseason appearance since the 2008 NCAA Tournament.
Portis was the only freshman in the country last season to have at least 50 blocked shots (54) and assists (50). He also had 35 steals while shooting 50.9 percent from the field [161 of 316] and 73.7 percent on free-throw attempts [87 of 118].
"I'm a little surprised he didn't declare for the draft, because he's that talented," Georgia Coach Mark Fox said. "He's a guy that's going to have a terrific sophomore year. He's a first-team all-league player.
"He's an NBA talent, and now he's got an NBA body and he's playing in college. That should bode well for him and for Arkansas."
Portis, who has grown to 6-11 and 244 pounds after being listed at 6-10 and 235 last season, said before last year's SEC Tournament he would return to Arkansas for his sophomore season rather than enter the NBA Draft. He never wavered, stressing the need for more experience and strength before turning pro.
"Bobby is different than a lot of other guys," Anderson said. "With a lot of guys, it's like they chase it. Bobby is going to let it come to him.
"As he gets better at what he does, then physically he's going to know he's ready, mentally he's going to know he's ready. So when he has that opportunity to go to the next level, he's going there with a splash. He doesn't want to go sit on somebody's bench in the NBA and just kind of be there. He wants to be a great player."
It's not uncommon for a player who goes to the NBA after one season in college to struggle to find a role initially as a pro.
Archie Goodwin, a McDonald's All-American guard at Sylvan Hills, played one season at Kentucky, entered the 2013 NBA Draft and was the 29th pick of the first round. As a rookie for the Phoenix Suns, he averaged 3.7 points and 10.3 minutes in 53 of the team's 82 games.
Portis said he doesn't want to be stuck on any team's bench.
"If I get to the NBA, I want to be able to go out and play productive minutes for my team," he said.
Portis had 11 or more points in 11 of 18 SEC games last season, including an Arkansas freshman-record 35 against Alabama when he made 14 of 17 field-goal attempts and 6 of 6 free throws in a 63-58 victory. In Arkansas' two-game sweep of Kentucky, Portis combined for 20 points and 16 rebounds.
"I think one of the big reasons Arkansas was able to beat Kentucky was because of the presence Bobby Portis brought, which matched Kentucky's size at the rim," South Carolina Coach Frank Martin said. "He really developed as a freshman. By the end of the year, he was playing great basketball, and there's no doubt in my mind he's going to be even better this year."
A panel of 20 reporters who cover the conference voted Portis onto the preseason All-SEC first team.
"Right now that doesn't mean anything," Portis said. "I still have to go out there and prove it to myself and to everyone else."
Portis said he wants to improve every facet of his game, especially becoming a stronger force inside.
"I want to do more in the post," he said. "I don't want to just settle for open jumpers when I can get into the lane more. Rebounding is a big focal point for me, too. I want to average 10 rebounds a game. I think that's realistic."
Arkansas senior forward Alandise Harris said Portis' increased strength and aggressiveness have been evident in practice.
"I feel like he's a little tougher around the rim, rougher and grittier," Harris said. "He's showing that he's got a power game now."
Ole Miss Coach Andy Kennedy wasn't surprised to hear Portis is a more physical player.
"Bobby's got a great skill level, but he's got a little nasty streak to him, too," Kennedy said. "I mean that in a good way.
"I think offensively he can be as good as any player in our league with his back to the basket, and on defense he's going to be really good at the back end of Arkansas' pressure to give them some rim protection."
Portis said 9 pounds may not sound like a lot of weight, but he's reshaped his body with added strength.
"Last year I had a little baby fat," he said. "Now I've gotten rid of that."
Vanderbilt Coach Kevin Stallings cringed when told Portis has grown to 6-11.
"He might be 7-3 by the time the season gets here then," Stallings said with a laugh. "He had a big impact in this league as a freshman, and he has the potential to do a lot more. He's an extremely talented guy."
Portis had a busy summer, attending the LeBron James Skills Academy -- hosted by the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player -- and the Nike Elite Youth Basketball Big Man Skills Academy, where the counselors included former Kentucky centers Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans) and DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings).
"I thought being at the camps really pushed Bobby's confidence to another level," Anderson said. "Having a year of experience going through the SEC has helped him a lot, too.
"He got pushed around at times last year, especially early in SEC play. Bobby is one of those guys that embraces learning from those moments. I think we'll see it really pay off for him this year."
Anderson said he wants Portis be more of a team leader, a role he wasn't necessarily comfortable with last year as a newcomer on a team with five seniors. Portis said he's become more comfortable speaking up, whether it's to his teammates or as a representative of Arkansas' at the recent SEC media days.
"I think it's time for me to step up and be a leader for this team," he said. "Last year I was kind of shy. I didn't really know what to say, and I didn't want to say the wrong thing. Now, it's cool. I just say what's best."
Portis could play his way into being an NBA lottery pick with a big sophomore season, but he said that isn't a concern.
"I don't think about the NBA right now," Portis said. "I'm a team guy more than anything. I'm just trying to be the best college basketball player I can be for Arkansas."
Portis said his main goal is to help the Razorbacks play in the NCAA Tournament and then keep advancing.
"It would mean the world to me and to our team," he said. "We want to do it for our state."
Anderson no longer feels the need to downplay expectations for Portis.
"I think he's eager and hungry to get into this season to prove that he's not only one of the best players in our league, but in the country," Anderson said. "It's like he's a guy on a mission."
Sports on 11/02/2014