5-Star SF Michael Porter Jr. Commits to Washington
Once the hiring of Michael Porter Sr. became official in May as an assistant men's basketball coach at Washington, the clock began to tick. It became a matter of when, not if, that his son, five-star strong forward Michael Porter Jr. would announce his commitment to Washington.
Friday afternoon, the No.2 overall prospect in the class of 2017 made his decision official, announcing on Twitter his decision to join UW and Head Coach Lorenzo Romar.
Back in late May, both Porter Jr. and his younger brother, 2018 four-star power forward Jontay Porter, who already committed to UW, announced they would play at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle.
The high school, not known for being an athletic powerhouse in the Metro League, hired former Washington All-American guard Brandon Roy as the schools head coach. Washington has now landed top-five prospects in consecutive classes for the first time in the Lorenzo Romar era.
Point guard Markelle Fultz, the No.5 overall prospect in 2016, signed with Washington and is expected to become a Top 5 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft after going one-and-done after this season. Porter Jr. is expected to be the No.1 overall pick - at the very least a top three selection - in the 2018 NBA Draft.
This year Romar saw power forward Marquese Chriss go No.8 overall to the Sacramento Kings, with the pick being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Washington is hoping to end a five-year drought and make the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
Porter Jr. gives UW their third verbal commitment for the class of 2017, joining point guard Blake Harris and shooting guard Jaylen Nowell. Sources told Rivals after the announcement from Porter Jr. that Washington could add another top hoops recruit this month, with the Huskies being in several top lists for 2017 recruits.
Trae Young, the No.14 overall prospect in 2017 and a five-star point guard according to Rivals, is close friends with Porter Jr. and a source confirmed to Rivals that UW is still considering adding the talented guard, despite taking a commitment from Harris recently.
Washington is also on the short list for another five-star prospect, forward Kris Wilkes, the No. 17 overall prospect in '17 out of North Central (Indianapolis, Indiana). However, neither have given an indication as to how soon they could make a decision.