Porcic goes

Division 1

PUTNAM — When Dan Porcic transferred from the local public high school to the local prep school powerhouse Putnam Science Academy everyone in town had an opinion. They ranged from confusion all the way to hysteria. People in town asked “why would Dan go there?” 

The perception when Porcic left Putnam High was that he was a good player as he was the best player on the team his freshman and sophomore year, but not someone who would get a scholarship. Well Porcic has proved those people wrong as last week he earned his first Division 1 offer from the University of Hartford. 

Not only were there questions for Porcic, but also Head Coach Tom Espinosa. People asked Espinosa why would he take the best player at the local high school. It was made even more difficult as Espinosa is a Putnam native and a proud Putnam High School alum.

Espinosa’s answer was simple, Porcic understood what was in store for him and that nothing was guaranteed. “I told Dan and his family that this would be very hard and if he wasn’t fully committed then he shouldn’t make this move,” said Espinosa. 

It didn’t happen overnight for Porcic as his first year at Putnam Science was up and down. During the fall open gym period Porcic was inconsistent as he showed flashes where college coaches would be intrigued, but also days when he disappeared on the court. Porcic played on the varsity team which is considered Putnam’s second team. Porcic averaged 10 points a game while starting and coming off the bench during various parts of the season. The team went 27-8 and had 4 full scholarship players. 

One of the biggest moments for Porcic was when he was asked to play for the New England Playaz AAU club, one of the best teams in New England. The Playaz have produced multiple division 1 players and professionals. Porcic was afforded the opportunity to play a national AAU schedule traveling to places such as Las Vegas and play in front of hoards of college coaches. Playing at Putnam Science he was noticed by the Playaz.

“Dan worked hard throughout his first year and being asked to play for the New England Playaz was a great opportunity,” said Espinosa. “We have kids who play for big AAU teams all along the East Coast and the fact that Dan competed with them day in and day out made him an intriguing prospect to the Playaz.”

Returning off a strong summer, Porcic was focused and determined to build off of it. Still without a scholarship offer and the goal of playing on the Putnam Science Prep team he had work to do. Porcic had a very dedicated workout schedule, lifting weights, shooting in the gym and conditioning at the track he continued to progress. 

Along with his hard work, the fact that Porcic is strong student he started to draw interest from Patriot and Ivy League schools. The schools interested is growing each day as a Brown assistant coach was at Putnam Science to watch Porcic workout. Along with Brown, Holy Cross, Boston University, Layfette, Fairfield, Northeastern, Delaware, Binghamton, and Niagara have all inquired about the Putnam wing.

Well some might rest on their accomplishments after gaining their first Division 1 offer, Porcic was back the next morning workout splashing 3 pointers in front of assistants from Purdue, Rutgers, and UC Irvine.

 

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