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College basketball week 15: 5 important things to know

By Chris Stone

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 10: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket late in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Breslin Center on February 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 10: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket late in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Breslin Center on February 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Michael Porter Jr.
COLUMBIA, MO – DECEMBER 19: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers reacts from the bench during the game against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at Mizzou Arena on December 19, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

3. Michael Porter Jr.’s potential return could be a boon

Last week, Missouri freshman Michael Porter Jr. made clear to reporters that he’s optimistic about a potential return this season following back surgery last fall. Porter’s return to even practice still has yet to be approved by doctors, but any time a future top 10 pick could unexpectedly take the floor, it’s worth some discussion.

There are obvious ramifications for Missouri, a 17-8 squad firmly in the NCAA Tournament as of today, but not a lock to be there come March. The Tigers have already developed into a quality offensive team behind a breakout season for transfer Kassius Robertson. Adding Porter, however, would give the team a threat a different stratosphere. The 6-foot-10 freshman is a three level scorer, knock down shooter and go-to crunch time option.

Porter’s debut would also be a positive for college basketball as a whole. Despite its obvious flaws, the NBA’s one-and-done rule allows college fans an opportunity to see the best young prospects in the world. When one of them is injured it’s disappointing as everyone misses out.

Obviously, a lot will depend on Porter’s medical reviews and future discussions with his family about his earning potential, but if the former 5-star recruit opts to play college ball this season, it’ll be a positive for everybody.