Potential 2019 lottery pick Jontay Porter of Missouri will sit out the college basketball season after suffering ACL and MCL tears during a scrimmage Sunday, according to Jeff Borzello of ESPN.
The story is similar to what happened to his older brother, Michael Porter Jr., who missed nearly all of last season with the Tigers because of a back injury. Originally considered as a possible No. 1 pick, Porter Jr. slid to the Nuggets with the 14th selection because of concerns about his physical condition.
Jontay Porter is projected at No. 13 in the latest mock draft compiled by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. He declared for the draft last spring after his freshman season, but decided to return to school.
A 6’11” power forward, Porter averaged 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks a year ago. He was a second-team choice on the all-SEC team released last week.
“Thanks to everyone who reached out,” Porter tweeted yesterday. “It’s hard to stay positive in the midst of something like this but everything happens for a reason.”
Maybe rehab will be a chance for him to get his body in better shape. He may even be able to add some quickness, as his athleticism was always a question for me