The LSUS men's basketball program and senior guard Josh Porter were recognized on Wednesday night at the annual National Association of Basketball Coaches tip-off banquet in Wadsworth, Ohio.

ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer Dick Vitale singled out LSUS and "Mr. Courageous" Josh Porter during the opening video feature of the banquet.  Vitale acknowledged the Pilots and Porter on the incredible season they had in 2007-08, calling Porter "the most courageous young man in college basketball this season."

In addition to being recognized by Vitale, Porter was asked to share his story with the 250 people in attendance.  The hundreds sat in silence and amazement as Josh told the story of his miraculous comeback from a life-threatening neck injury suffered in a game on Nov. 28, 2006.  Following his speech, Porter walked off the stage to a standing ovation.  Among those in attendance at the event were the Mayor of Wadsworth and the Director of Operations for the College Basketball Invitational, Don Landry, who is also the founder of the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches.

The College Basketball Invitational (CBI), an all-star event that features the top 65 players from NAIA Division 1&2 and NCAA Division 2&3, begins tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM, with Porter's team set to play at 2:00 PM.  Stay tuned as we track Josh's progress throughout this prestigious event.

Live stats of Josh's first game can be viewed at http://athletics.wooster.edu/mb/2008cbi/xlive.htm