The Missouri Tigers have won three straight games, and they may soon get a major boost as they try to sneak into the NCAA Tournament.
Five-star freshman, Michael Porter Jr., ranked No. 1 in the nation entering college in 2017, has played just two minutes this season due to an injured back, but he may be nearing a return.
Porter underwent back surgery last fall after suffering an injury against Iowa State. He was originally expected to miss his entire freshman season, but ESPN commentator Dick Vitale has heard otherwise.
According to kansascity.com, Vitale was told by SEC Network broadcaster Tom Hart that Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin told Hart “don’t be surprised if he (Porter Jr.) plays this year.”
Confused? It's all right. But it sounds like Martin is at least comfortable enough with Porter's progress to tell people that his superstar freshman may be back this year.
“This week, he started working out — not on the floor, but just doing different things with our strength and conditioning coach Nicodemus (Christopher), agility work, bouncing the ball, but nothing with practice,” Martin said. “I wouldn’t be shocked if I saw him on the floor. And I’m not saying that, because he hasn’t practiced or anything, so don’t misinterpret that, but I wouldn’t be shocked.
“I know he’s fighting hard to get on the floor. He’s looking good, his body’s great. He’s actually gotten bigger, just looking at him. And he’s been one of my best cheerleaders on the sideline.”
Porter is widely considered a top-5 pick in this year's NBA Draft even with the back injury. A 6-10 guard, Porter's game is very similar to Warriors star Kevin Durant.
The Tigers (16-8) just beat Alabama and Kentucky to firmly place themselves on the NCAA Tournament bubble.
