Kevin Porter Jr First Proved Himself at the Iverson Classic. Now, the World is Taking Notice.

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Kevin Porter Jr First Proved Himself at the Iverson Classic. Now, the World is Taking Notice.

Iverson Classic Champion. Iverson Classic Dunk Contest Winner. Allen Iverson Player of the Year Co-Recipient. Kevin Porter Jr's 2018 Iverson Classic debut marked the USC star's first shining moment on the national stage.

As basketball analysts, scouts and fans all over the world are finally realizing, Kevin Porter Jr is the real deal. Just this month, SLAM called him "a force to be reckoned with," Sports Illustrated noted he's "...gifted with the sort of offensive creativity that can’t be taught" and USC's coach Jason Hart called Porter the "Most talented player we've ever had."

Despite being overlooked by the other two major All American games (McDonald's and Jordan Brand), Kevin Porter Jr was a selection in the Iverson Classic where he not only fit in, but, was able to dominate alongside the most elite players in the country. His performance was so impressive, that he caused not one, but two stunning upsets. First, he defeated odds-on favorite Mac McClung in the Dunk Contest with a (now viral) high flying dunk over Allen Iverson's head. Then, at the awards ceremony, he was awarded Player of the Year, a designation that he shared with Co-Recipient Nassir Little. 

Porter has made no secret of his admiration for Allen Iverson, one of his personal heroes. Before the 2018 Iverson Classic game, Porter even braided his signature hair into Iverson-inspired cornrows as a tribute to the man who gave him a shot before the rest of the industry did. 

Despite the Iverson Classic being the most watched All American game of the 2018 season (source: SLAM), many hoops fans weren't fully aware of Porter's ability until he hit the NCAA this season. 

NBA scouts had been hoping for a surprise prospect to emerge and spice up the 2019 draft. Now, with Kevin Porter's name shooting to as high as top 6 in some scouting reports, Porter is shaping up to be the Trae Young of the 2019 draft. 

Jai Manselle, Allen Iverson, Bobby Bates, Nassir Little and Kevin Porter Jr at Iverson Classic Awards