Quickies: Michael Porter Mystery Edition

So the near consensus preseason freshman of the year, Michael Porter Jr., has been cleared for basketball activities and it looks as though he will play for the Missouri Tigers this year. With just three games left, I’m curious as to why Porter is making this move. Yes, I’m sure he’s eager to get back on the court, but it’d take an awful lot from him to boost his draft projections in just three regular season games and some tournament play. And I highly doubt he’ll be ready to go all out. We’re still seeing Jarred Vanderbilt get comfortable after missing all the time he did.

Perhaps he’s as connected to Missouri as the Tigers want him to be, and he’s simply coming in this late in the year because Missouri needs him. The Tigers are 8-7 in SEC play and are in a massive tie for third place in the conference. Arkansas and Kentucky, two of their last three opponents, are also in that tie.

Speaking of UK, I’m curious as to whether Porter will play on Saturday. Missouri already beat UK once, though it was a road game for the Wildcats. A healthy, and capable, Porter would be a big key for Missouri.

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Your quickies

Jack Givens, Kyle Macy from 1978 national title team comment on current Cats - SEC Country
Kentucky basketball's 1978 national championship team will be honored this weekend at Rupp Arena as the Wildcats take on Missouri.

Former Kentucky standout Nerlens Noel interviewed by Kevin Hart on hilarious YouTube series - SEC Country
Comedian Kevin Hart is currently hosting a YouTube series titled "Cold As Balls," in which he interviews an athlete while the two take ice-water baths.

CatsIllustrated.com - Wandale Robinson talks top three, offensive styles, relationships
Fresh off a strong performance at the Best of the Midwest Combine that garnered him recognition as an elite speedster and a promising prospect, Wandale Robinson is talking favorites.

Kentucky receives upgrade in latest Bracketology - Cats' Pause
Following two straight impressive SEC wins over projected NCAA Tournament teams, Kentucky is moving on up in Joe Lunardi's latest Bracketology on ESPN.

Thriving at WKU, Hollingsworth has no regrets about UK | Lexington Herald Leader
In a standout freshman season at Western Kentucky, Lexington product Taveion Hollingsworth has not been slowed by a broken nose, a protective facial mask nor the fact he weighs only 165 pounds. Says WKU Coach Rick Stansbury: “He’s got one of the greatest abilities you can have — toughness.”

UK player's alleged bodyguard no longer enrolled in classes at UK - Courier Journal
The University of Kentucky student who allegedly accompanied a Kentucky basketball player to a party while armed with a gun is no longer enrolled in classes, a university spokesperson told Courier Journal.

Next Man Up: Tyler Herro Fueled by All-Star Snub | Kentucky Sports Radio
It's no secret that Tyler Herro wanted to play in the McDonald's All-American Game. When the roster came out last month and his name wasn't on it, he fumed.

Allonzo Trier ruled ineligible by NCAA; Arizona appealing – CollegeBasketballTalk
Wildcat guard tested positive for banned substance for a second time

New York Rangers agree to trade Michael Grabner to New Jersey Devils - ESPN
The Rangers have traded leading scorer Michael Grabner to the New Jersey Devils for a second-round draft pick and prospect Yegor Rykov.

Bobby Portis scores 38 points but Bulls lose 116-115 to 76ers - Chicago Tribune
In an interesting back-and-forth game at the United Center, the Bulls core three players struggled but Bobby Portis and David Nwaba thrived.

Canadian hockey player Jocelyne Larocque apologizes for taking off silver medal - Chicago Tribune
Canadian defenseman Jocelyne Larocque says she wishes she hadn't taken off her silver medal almost immediately after it was placed around her neck at the Pyeongchang Olympics.

Drexel stuns Delaware by overcoming 34-point deficit in record win - Philly
The Dragons trailed by as many as 34 points and were behind by 27 points at halftime.

- Marc Narducci, Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News

The glow from the U.S. women's Olympic hockey victory should stick for a while - LA Times
Afterglow of the USA women's hockey team Gold Medal performance in the Winter Olympics

Russell Wilson will turn in his Seahawks No. 3 jersey for a Yankees No. 73 starting Monday | The Seattle Times
Wilson seemed to imply that his stint in Yankees spring training may last longer than the couple-hour cameos he has made with the Rangers.