Porter Roberts secured his place in Purdue basketball history by leading the intense “Defense Lives Here” mentality in the mid-1990s.
The former Boilermaker point guard died Thursday in his native Chattanooga, Tennessee, at age 51. Cause of death was not immediately available.
Roberts was the 1996 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year under Gene Keady. He was the second Boilermaker to win that award after Ricky Hall (1984). His is now one of seven individuals to win, comprising nine awards.
He was a member of the three-peat Big Ten champions from 1994 to 1996.
Roberts came to Purdue as a freshman in 1993-94 when now coach Matt Painter was a senior. He played in 126 career games and, after becoming a regular starter as a sophomore, was an integral part of the Boilermakers’ Big Ten championship three-peat from 1994-96. He averaged 5.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 0.7 steals over his career.
As a senior, Roberts averaged 7.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals.
According to an online funeral announcement, a visitation and celebration of life will be held Thursday in Chattanooga.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Porter Roberts — a 3-time Big Ten champion, who starred on the mid-90s teams.
He backed down from nothing on the court, but loved to joke around off it.
He was 51 years old.
🕊️ Fly high, Porter. pic.twitter.com/FZNLcOqL6h
— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) February 7, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Porter Roberts obit, Purdue basketball stats, awards, Big Ten champions
