While Mike Hopkins was being introduced to Seattle media on Wednesday afternoon, Michael Porter, Jr. received the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. Porter, Jr. spoke to the limited media at Nathan Hale High School and noted that he will be seeking his release from his National Letter of Intent from the University of Washington.
Porter, Jr. is considered by most as the number 1 recruit in the nation of the 2017 class. He committed to Coach Lorenzo Romar and his father was an assistant on staff. But, with the firing of Coach Romar and his father, Porter has decided to re-open his recruitment.
According to USA Today, he has limited the choices to Missouri, Virginia, Oklahoma and Washington.
Rumors swirled that Michael Porter, Sr. had accepted a position as port of Cuonzo Martin’s staff when he was hired at the University of Missouri. Porter said that he has been offered a job but has not accepted it yet. While the assistant coach position is not official, the Porter Family is originally from the area so a return may make sense. Oklahoma might be a destination as he is friends with incoming Freshman Trae Young and the two talked about being teammates. As for Virginia, his friend Kyle Guy plays for the Cavaliers.
Porter stated that list could expand if and when he is released which he believe will be soon.
Notably, Coach Hopkins has yet to reach out to Porter according to the Nathan Hale senior.
VIDEO: Michael Porter Jr, @TheMPJ1 , speaks of winning Gatorade POY, his family, and mentions past POY's @KingJames and @BenSimmons25 . pic.twitter.com/nkUutbcPWc
— Alex Rozier (@AlexRozierK5) March 22, 2017
Michael Porter, Jr. was surprised with a trophy at his home for his accomplishment.