It’s a homecoming of sorts for Michael Porter Jr., the nation’s top basketball recruit in the 2017 class. Porter Tweeted Friday afternoon that he is coming to Mizzou this fall.
— Michael Porter Jr. (@TheMPJ1) March 24, 2017
The 6’9″ Porter originally committed to the University of Washington, but changed his decision when the coaching staff, including his father Michael Porter Sr., was fired earlier this month. Rumors of Porter Sr. being hired by new Mizzou head coach Cuonzo Martin were confirmed Thursday.
“Last week everything changed for me regarding my college basketball decision,” said Porter Jr. in a statement delivered to his nearly 35,000 Twitter followers. “Realizing I would no longer have the opportunity to play for Coach Romar, I’ve taken the past seven days to give great consideration to my future. After a lot of thought, prayer, and talking with my family, I’m excited to announce that next year I will be attending the University of Missouri!”
“I’m looking forward to the year ahead with Cuonzo Martin and my new teammates…Together we hope to restore the atmosphere at Mizzou Arena.”
“MIZZOU NATION I”M COMING HOME!!!”
Porter, who played the first three years of high school basketball at Columbia private school Tolten Catholic, where he won a Class 3 state championship as a junior, moved to Washington with his father last year. In his one year playing for former NBA star Brandon Roy at Nathan Hale High School he and his brother Jontay led the team to a Class 3 state championship and 29-0 record. Porter averaged 36.2 ppg, 13.6 rpg and 5 apg, earning Gatorade National Player of the Year.
#1 player in high school basketball Michael Porter Jr. has committed to Missouri! https://t.co/GXTwA1JrO5@TheMPJ1 pic.twitter.com/ioLjPMDPPu
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) March 24, 2017
Jontay, who is a junior, previously verbally committed to Washington, but that is likely to change.
Porter Sr. isn’t the only connection to Mizzou. Michael’s older sisters Cierra and Bri play for the women’s basketball team.
This is huge boost for a Mizzou program coming off an 8-24 season that saw them finish last in the SEC.
Porter’s decision makes the Tigers an immediate contender, even if it’s just for one season, as he is considered the likely top overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
