x
Breaking News
More () »

Cuonzo Martin: Michael Porter Jr. could play Saturday 'if he feels good'

Porter, a five-star recruit and potential No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA draft, had back surgery in November after appearing in just one game and recording two minutes of collegiate action.
Credit: Jay Biggerstaff
Nov 10, 2017; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Michael Porter Jr. (13) warms up before the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin told reporters that highly-touted freshman Michael Porter Jr. could play Saturday against Arkansas "if he feels good."

Martin said in a news conference before the team's practice Thursday that Porter, who was cleared to resume basketball activities last week, would practice twice in two days and see how he felt.

"He'll practice today, he'll practice tomorrow and then we'll go from there, guys," Martin said. "It'll really come down to how Mike feels, and then we'll go from there."

"He'll practice today, and then he'll practice tomorrow. We'll go from there."

Porter, a five-star recruit and potential No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA draft, had back surgery in November after appearing in just one game and recording two minutes of collegiate action. He's missed more than three months.

"Really, you come off of back surgery and you're talking about really his third practice," Martin told reporters. "(We) just want to get the reps under his belt so he can be effective. He knows he's not going to be at the level, just from a conditioning standpoint, but as long as he feels good, I think that's the first thing. And then we'll go from there."

Arkansas coach Mike Anderson said the team expects Porter to play Saturday, according to The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Before You Leave, Check This Out