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Washington Huskies: So Long Michael Porter Jr.

By Paul Taylor

Jul 10, 2016; North Augusta, SC, USA; Mokan Elite player Michael Porter Jr. (1) looks to pass the ball during the first half of the Nike Peach Jam Finals against the PSA Cardinals at the Riverview Park Activity Center. Mokan won 93-65. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; North Augusta, SC, USA; Mokan Elite player Michael Porter Jr. (1) looks to pass the ball during the first half of the Nike Peach Jam Finals against the PSA Cardinals at the Riverview Park Activity Center. Mokan won 93-65. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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In an unsurprising move, Michael Porter Jr. has asked the Washington Huskies to release him from his National Letter of Intent.

The fear has become a reality for the Washington Huskies. Michael Porter Jr. wants out.

As reported by Jayda Evans of The Seattle Times, Porter Jr. has asked the Huskies for a release from his National Letter of Intent. This request was pretty much a foregone conclusion, after Lorenzo Romar was fired.

Romar is close friends with Michael Porter Sr. and godfather to his son. The elder Porter was also an assistant on the Huskies’ coaching staff this past season.

Porter Jr. discussed his intentions with USA Today‘s Jason Jordan and other members of the media on Wednesday. He admitted his decision was prompted by the Huskies firing Romar:

"“I was so shocked. I thought they’d at least give him next year with the special class we had coming in. They obviously saw it another way. That hurt me.”"

Porter Jr. claims Washington is still an option for him. However, the recent sequence of events makes it hard to believe he will end up staying in the Pacific Northwest.

Apart from Washington, the nation’s number one recruit will also consider Virginia, Oklahoma and Missouri. However, he isn’t allowed to speak to any potential colleges until his release has been granted.

Missouri figures to have an excellent chance at recruiting Porter Jr., as this is where he was born and raised. Coincidentally or not, his father has already been offered a position on the staff, as an assistant coach.

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Interestingly, as noted by Evans, Porter Jr, is the only player of the Huskies’ incoming class yet to be contacted by new head coach, Mike Hopkins. However, the youngster stressed he is definitely going to talk to Hopkins at some point soon and listen to what he has to say.

Wednesday was an important day for the 18-year old in general, after being named the Gatorade Nationals Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding athletic excellence, along with high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court.

The five-star prospect led the Nathan Hale Raiders to a 29-0 record and the Class 3A state championship this past season. He averaged 36.2 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.2 steals and 2.7 blocks per game.

Speaking to Jones and other members of the media about receiving the award, Porter Jr. said:

"“With all of the talented players in my class and around the country, winning this is special. I work really hard and it’s a great feeling to have your hard work pay off in such a big way.”"

Next: Mike Hopkins Brings in Impressive Work Ethic

This move by Porter was expected, especially after Romar was fired. Regardless, do you agree with his request, or do you think he should honor his originally commitment? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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