Michael Porter Jr. cleared to practice, but playing status still uncertain
Missouri head coach Cuonzo Martin has clarified reports that Michael Porter Jr. has been cleared for practice.
Speaking to the media Friday, Martin confirmed that Porter was cleared by his Dallas-based surgeon Thursday and said Porter will participate in Friday’s practice. He will take it "day-by-day" from there. Martin did not say when Porter Jr. would return for his first game, or whether he’d return at all.
Through the barrage of questions about the freshman, Martin maintained his stance that he needs Porter Jr. to be fully healthy before he takes the court. However, the coach also noted that “Michael is competitive guy,” and that he’ll do anything he can to get back on the court.
After losing two consecutive games following a five-game winning streak, the Tigers would likely welcome Porter's return. Martin was asked about the possibility of Porter Jr. suiting up tomorrow at Kentucky, just a day after being cleared for practice. While he didn’t dispel the possibility, he didn’t appear to take it all that seriously.
“I haven’t even thought about it,” Martin said. With a smile, he added, “maybe I should, just to throw them (Kentucky) off."
Senior Jordan Barnett and junior Kevin Puryear also spoke to the media on Friday, and both players said when it was announced in November that Porter Jr. would have season-ending back surgery, it “pissed us off” that pundits counted the team out. The team has since totaled 18 wins a season after recording just eight. But both also expressed excitement at the prospect of Porter returning to practice.
“To get him back practicing would be really nice, but we’re just focusing on Kentucky and this road trip,” Barnett said.
“We haven’t really discussed any playing dates or anything like that,” Puryear added. “To have him on the floor would be a great asset to have, especially going into March and stuff like that.”