Missouri F Porter slated to undergo back surgery

Nov 21, 2017 - 7:57 PM Highly touted Missouri prospect Michael Porter Jr. will undergo spinal surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the season, the university announced Tuesday afternoon.

Porter, a freshman forward who is projected to be a high pick in next year's NBA draft, was scheduled to have a microdiscectomy of the L3 and L4 spinal discs performed on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old has a projected recovery time of three to four months. The school said he is expected to make a full recovery.

"I really appreciate the support of my family and the Mizzou men's basketball program as I begin this process," Porter said in a statement. "I'm thankful for all the kind words and messages I've received from fans. Those mean a lot to me. I cannot wait to be completely healthy and playing the game I love, once again."

Porter appeared in only one game for the Tigers this season, totaling two points and two rebounds in the season opener against Iowa State on Nov. 10 before departing after just two minutes. The team said at the time Porter had tweaked his hip.

"Our top priority as a program is the well-being of our student-athletes, so Michael beginning this process to be 100 percent healthy is important to all of us," Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin said in a statement. "Our focus has been on Michael's well-being, just like every other player in our locker room. We will continue to work every day to build Mizzou Basketball into a program to be proud of. We're preparing now for a trip that is a tremendous opportunity. I'm excited to get after it in Orlando."

Porter originally selected Washington but was granted his release when the school fired coach Lorenzo Romar after last season.