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Kansas Basketball Recruiting: The Wings – 2017

By Ryan Noel

Jan 10, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; A general view of basketballs on a rack before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Lawrence, KS, USA; A general view of basketballs on a rack before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Westfield, IN - APRIL 23: Nike EYBL. Session 2. Michael Porter, Jr. #1 of KD Mokan Elite lays it up. (Photo by Jon Lopez)
Westfield, IN – APRIL 23: Nike EYBL. Session 2. Michael Porter, Jr. #1 of KD Mokan Elite lays it up. (Photo by Jon Lopez) /

Michael Porter, Jr – Small Forward – MoKan Elite

By this point, every Kansas fan should be familiar with Michael Porter, Jr., the #3 player in the 2017 class according to 247sports. Porter, hailing from Columbia, MO, is the top wing in the 2017 class and the arguably the #1 overall target for the Kansas basketball staff.

We got our first glimpse of Porter two years ago with the MoKan Elite 16U team in a small gym in Augusta, GA. As just a sophomore, it was abundantly clear Porter – who was already standing around 6’8 and is now near  6’10” – was one of the best prospects in the country regardless of class. He already had a great feel for the game and a silky-smooth jump shot.

Now, going into his senior year, Porter has established himself as an elite player and prospect. He possesses a wide range of scoring abilities, including a good post game and a solid mid-range jumper.

Porter already has prototypical size for his position – both for college and the NBA – and has a body that looks like it can fill out well once he enters a good strength and conditioning program. At 6’10”, he elevates really well on his jump shot and makes him a lethal scorer on pull-up shots.

Defensively, Porter still needs some work just like almost every high school player. He does, however, have all  the tools needed to defend the wing at the next level. His length and quickness is very good for his size, and he’s shown good instincts already for being a help-side defender from the wing. In college, he has the size to play as a small-ball forward on defense and offense, though obviously at a place like Kansas that would be less likely.

Tier 1

Porter is at the top of Kansas’ wish list, and it’s unlikely they’ll waver in his recruitment. Right now, we expect this recruitment to last a while, as there are a multitude of factors at play. With his brother – 2018 forward Johntay Porter – already committed to Washington, they still need to be considered as a strong contender, along with Kansas and Kentucky. Porter and his teammate Trae Young have maintained that they would like to play together in college, but Young does not list Washington among his potential destinations.

Next: Another Diallo in 2017?

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