Michael Porter Jr. requests release from Washington, likely bound for SEC

It's not very often that the undisputed best player in the country decides to leave the program that he has been committed to for eight months, but that is exactly what has unfolded today. Due likely to the recent firing of Washington coaches Lorenzo Romar and Michael Porter Sr. top high school recruit Michael Porter Jr. has requested his release from the Washington program.

The buildup for Porter leaving Washington had started right when the Huskies fired longtime head coach Lorenzo Romar. Soon after that Washington announced the firing of Porter's father Michael Porter Sr., who was an assistant coach for the Huskies and the main reason Porter originally committed to Washington. Even after that, it was announced that Michael's brother Jontay Porter had de-committed from Washington, which all but foreshadowed the inevitable.

It is highly likely that Michael Porter Sr. is joining Missouri on new head coach Cuonzo Martin's staff. With Porter Jr. now back on the market, Missouri becomes the overwhelming favorite to land his commitment. A recent USA Today report claims that Porter is considering the Tigers, Washington despite de-committing from them, Virginia, and Oklahoma. The Sooners will likely be in the mix thanks to Trae Young, Porter's NIKE EYBL teammate and close friend. However, it appears more than likely that Porter is headed to the SEC.

Assuming that Porter does commit to Missouri, it would be the second time in three years that the number on recruit of that year plays in the SEC. The other was of course Ben Simmons at LSU, and well we all know how that turned out. Missouri finished this season with a rather horrendous 8-24 record which was good for last in the SEC.

However, the Tigers have a new head coach in former California head coach Cuonzo Martin and will be likely returning their top three players from this season: Jordan Barnett, Kevin Puryear, and Terrance Phillips. A Missouri team with that plus Michael Porter Jr. could have the potential to compete in a likely competitive SEC next season. For the conference as a whole, the addition of a player like Porter would be huge for the SEC's legitimacy going forward.