If you’re a Missouri Tigers fan, or if you know of a Missouri Tigers fan, you understand the insane hype around Michael Porter Jr. The 18-year old out of Nathan Hale high school has captivated not only Tiger Nation, but the entire world of high school and college basketball. MPJ has been compared to Kevin Durant, he has already been predicted #1 overall in the 2018 draft, and he has taken over a campus before classes have even started. Finally, Michael Porter Jr has made Tiger fans almost over-optimistic about the future.
Now, things do look good considering Mizzou already has MPJ’s brother and 5-star recruit Jontay Porter committed. Also, Michael Porter Jr will have some pretty serious help this year from 4-star recruits Jeremiah Tilmon, Blake Harris and CJ Roberts.
However, can we go as far to say that Missouri basketball is on the path to becoming a staple in the NCAA Tournament? In the Sweet Sixteen? In the Elite Eight? THE FINAL FOUR??
The Blueprint
When I think of the current situation that the Missouri Tigers are in, I immediately turn to Ben Simmons’ time at LSU to snap me back to reality.
The year before Ben Simmons put on the purple and yellow, the LSU basketball team finished the season in 3rd place in the SEC. The Tigers went 22-9 overall and 11-7 in conference play. Unfortunately, the Tigers fell in a #8 vs #9 matchup against NC State in the opening round March Madness.
Luckily, the Tigers were able to remain optimistic despite their early departure. They knew that they had the best high school player in the country coming their way in the fall.
BUT, LSU would finish even lower in the SEC WITH Ben Simmons (and 5-star recruit Antonio Blakeney). In the 2015-2016 season, the Tigers finished 11-7 in conference play for the second straight year; however, their overall record dipped down to 19-14 as they finished 5th in the SEC.
Following the regular season, the Tigers would get wrecked by Texas A&M in the second round of the SEC Tournament as they lost 71-38. LSU would not participate in any other postseason tournaments that season.
The Effect
In the season after Simmons departure, the Tigers finished 2nd to last in the SEC and didn’t even sniff the postseason. Along with the disappointing season, they were only able to sign one 4-star recruit in their 2016 class.
I like to call this the Johnny Manziel effect. This is when one extremely talented player changes the culture of an entire university in just one season. However, it is much more difficult to do so in the “one-and-done” culture of NCAA basketball.
Luckily for LSU, they have two 4-star recruits coming their way from the class of 2017. But, you can’t credit that to any accomplishments of Simmons, Blakeney, or the basketball program in recent years.
The Missouri Situation
As for Missouri basketball, this feels different. Although Michael Porter was truly just wanting to play under his father at Missouri, not to mention that COMO is his hometown. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t influencing big name recruits to come join him. As I mentioned, in the 2017-2018 season, MPJ will have the help of three 4-star recruits. Also, Missouri will have the pleasure of another Porter brother in Jontay Porter.
So, can Michael Porter Jr do what Ben Simmons couldn’t?
Can Michael Porter Jr and his supporting cast put Missouri basketball on the map?
There are so many different ways these next few years can go at the Zou. One can only hope that it all turns out for the best. Who knows, maybe MPJ will stay a few years and play with his brother. As we all know in sports, anything can happen.
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