Porter dies from attack injuries

The former Villanova basketball star Howard Porter died yesterday from injuries suffered in a mysterious attack last week in Minneapolis.

Porter, 58, was found severely beaten in an alleyway last weekend and was admitted into a hospital as an unidentified assault victim before police were able to verify his identity.

Porter had been working as a probation officer in Ramsey County, Minnesota. Police are investigating as to whether the attack was related to one of Porter's cases. No one has yet been arrested and police have not identified any suspects.

Villanova University issued a statement calling Porter "one of the finest players to ever wear a Wildcat uniform." Villanova retired Porter's jersey in 1997 in the Pavilion.

"The entire Villanova family is saddened by the news of Howard's death," said Villanova head coach Jay Wright.

Wright praised Porter's contributions to Villanova basketball on and off the court:

Howard provided so many Villanovans with thrills on the basketball court playing for Coach Kraft. Since his playing days ended, he has been an outstanding role model for our current players and coaching staff. Howard was a kind, gentle, and humble man who loved his family and Villanova. We will all miss him.

According to Villanova University, funeral arrangements are pending.