Missouri big man Jontay Porter announced today that he has decided to enter his name in the 2018 draft pool, though he won’t yet forgo his NCAA eligibility (Twitter link).
“While I am not making any final decisions at this point, I am not hiring an agent, and will be diligent in complying with all NCAA rules to ensure that I maintain my eligibility to compete at the NCAA level for Mizzou in the future,” Porter wrote. “I am going to declare for the NBA draft. This will allow me to evaluate my status with NBA teams so that I can make a fully educated decision on my future.”
In his freshman year, Porter averaged 9.9 PPG and 6.8 RPG for the Tigers, flashing an ability to protect the rim on the defensive end (1.7 BPG) and to shoot from outside on offense (.364 3PT%). Porter is currently the 35th-ranked prospect on Jonathan Givony’s big board at ESPN.com.
Porter is the second Missouri underclassman to declare for the 2018 draft — and the second Porter brother to do so. His older brother – Michael Porter Jr. – has entered the draft and will forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility. Despite missing most of the season with a back injury, the elder Porter is viewed as a probable top-10 pick.