Porter Jr. Picks Mizzou
The expected is now official. Michael Porter Jr., the nation's top prospect in the 2017 class, has committed to Missouri. He made the announcement moments ago.
Porter spent his first three years of high school at Father Tolton in Columbia, but moved to Seattle where he led Nathan Hale High School to a state championship as a senior. Porter signed with Washington, where is father was an assistant coach on Lorenzo Romar's staff, last fall. Romar was fired the same day Missouri hired Cuonzo Martin and Porter was released from his Letter of Intent with the Huskies. On Thursday, news broke that Michael Porter Sr. had agreed to a position as an assistant coach on Martin's staff pending completion of the University's hiring procedures.
Just how good is Porter?
"Michael is a kid who's pushing 6-10 has an unbelievable skill level and I think what separates him is you see so many kids with that size and skill who are really power forwards who are trying to be wing players," said Rivals.com national basketball analyst Eric Bossi. "He's a legitimate true wing player with elite size and athleticism.
"The class of 2016 has proven to be an incredible class and I think he has the potential to be better than any of them.
That class included a top five of Josh Jackson, Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum, Dennis Smith and De'Aaron Fox. Players like Bam Adebayo, Malik Monk and Lonzo Ball were in the top ten.
The jump start to Martin's roster and career at Missouri is virtually immeasurable.
"How often can you take a new job in March and get the No. 1 player in the country?" Bossi said. "And a guy who is ready to come in and do damage and the second he steps foot on campus. Not all number one's are built the same. This guy is number one because of pro potential and because of his potential the day he arrives on campus."
Porter, the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, is set to play in the McDonald's all-American Game on Wednesday night in Chicago. PowerMizzou.com and Rivals.com will have coverage of the event.
We will follow up with Porter as soon as possible and continue to keep Tiger fans updated on Martin's recruiting efforts for 2017 and beyond.