ST. LOUIS (MIZZOU) – Missouri freshman and No. 1 overall recruit Michael Porter Jr. will “likely” miss the rest of this season, states Mizzou Basketball.
Porter will undergo surgery on Tuesday, Nov. 21, in Dallas, Texas. The procedure, a microdiscectomy of the L3 and L4 spinal discs, has a projected recovery time of three-four months and will likely cause him to miss the remainder of the season. Michael is expected to make a complete recovery, and the Mizzou Men’s Basketball program wishes Michael the best during this process.
A microdiscectomy, also knows as a discectomy, surgery to remove lumbar (low back) herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord, states WebMD.
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No further information is available at this time.
Statement from head coach Cuonzo Martin: “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. 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.”
Statement from Michael Porter, Jr.: “I really appreciate the support of my family and the Mizzou Men’s Basketball program as I begin this process. 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 was named an AP preseason All-American and missed his third consecutive game, Monday in Mizzou’s win against Emporia State.
He is considered a high lottery pick in next year’s NBA draft, and has been expected to end his college career after his freshman year.
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