Class of 2017 wing forward Michael Porter Jr. of Columbia, Mo., is one of the most promising prospects nationally. Read about him here. Photo cred – Jon Lopez/Nike
Michael Porter Jr. (Columbia, Mo.), Father Tolton / MoKan Elite – 2017
Height: 6’9″
Position: Small Forward
Committed College: Missouri
Star Grade:
By: @BrandonClayPSB
Date: May 29, 2016
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: Nike Boys EYBL Session IV (Atlanta, GA)
Porter showed out here finishing with 22 points. That’s about par for the course as he’s averaging 22.8 per game in EYBL play. The most eye catching number on his statline is the 10.9 rebounds he grabs each game. Porter Jr. has the size to be effective on the wing and is just scratching the surface of his game offensively. In that way, expect him to become a more consistent long range threat as he sits just under 30 percent at 29.8 on the season so far.
Date: December 22, 2015
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: City of Palms (Fort Myers, Fla.)
Porter Jr. is filling out. He has the physical tools to be a star at the next level. His skill, ability to create continues to round out as well. He likes to do his damage off of the catch or in straight lines offensively.
Date: December 18, 2015
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway
Location: City of Palms (Fort Myers, Fla.)
In the opening night of the tournament, Porter put up an impressive 34 points and 17 rebounds. He finished around the basket with authority while also hitting 3pt shots out to 25′ feet. That said, he still struggled with physicality and had the ball knocked out of his hands on drives at times. On night two versus Westerville (OH), he was seemingly neutralized by their swarming defense. While in my estimation is still a top 15 player, he has strides to make if he is to have the same impact as Jayson Tatum is having this year.
Date: June 18, 2015
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: NBPA Top 100 Camp (Charlottesville, Va.)
Porter Jr. has real size / length at the small forward position. He has a similar style / feel to Jayson Tatum. Porter Jr. hit a tough, step back 18 foot jumper and attacked the baseline as well. That said, he is more of a shooting specialist than a driver right now.
Date: May 24, 2015
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway
Location: Nike EYBL (Minneapolis, Minn.)
Porter is now listed at 6-9 and has legitimate small forward skills. He is a fantastic finisher who lift to finish above defenders. A couple of observations this viewing – Porter is a good rebounder when he can soar in from out of the area to leap above defenders. He could stand to improve in terms of physicality and winning 1/1 rebounding battles.
Date: October 4, 2014
Evaluator: Jonathan Hemingway
Location: USA Basketball Mini-Camp (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Porter Jr. has a great build for the wing. He is a shooter with an easy stroke from beyond the arc. What puts Porter Jr. in the conversation of the top 10 is not necessarily his shooting stroke, but his overall game play. He rebounded the ball exceptionally well during this camp and even showed the ability to block shots from the weakside. Porter even distributed at times while handling.
Date: October 3, 2014
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: USA Basketball Mini-Camp (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
This setting was better for Porter Jr. as he showed a burst in the open floor. Outside of Troy Brown and DJ Harvey, Porter Jr. was arguably the most impressive ’17 in the gym. He can really shoot the ball though he needs about a half second to get his shot off. Porter Jr. went toe-to-toe with ’15 wings Charles Matthews and DJ Williams here as well.
Date: June 14, 2014
Evaluator: Brandon Clay
Location: Nike Elite 100 Camp (St. Louis, Mo.)
Porter Jr., is a smooth wing with length. Though we didn’t see a specific specialty in this eval, Porter Jr.’s overall talent is noteworthy. He’s a right-handed shooter but finished and attacked with his left hand as well. Porter Jr. struggled with the physicality of bigger guys like Miles Bridges (MI-16) around the basket.
Brandon Clay is the Executive Camp Director of the Elite Basketball Academy and the owner of Brandon Clay Scouting. Clay is also the owner of Peach State Basketball, Inc., and serves on the Naismith Trophy Men’s / Women’s College Player of the Year Academy and the HS Boys / Girls All-American Team Board of Selectors. Clay has been involved in the community since 2001. You can reach him at [email protected]
