Dick Vitale Says Cuonzo Martin Hasn't Ruled out a Michael Porter Jr. Return

Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin will not rule out Michael Porter Jr. returning at some point in the season, despite a lower back injury that was expected to keep him out his entire freshman campaign.

During Tuesday night's ESPN broadcast, Vitale said Martin told him "don't be surprised" if Porter returns, per KCTV5.

Vitale said Porter was dunking during team shootarounds. Considered a potential No. 1 overall draft pick, Porter played just two minutes in Missouri's season opener against Iowa State before suffering a back injury. He later underwent surgery and was expected to miss the remainder of the season.

In January, Porter said he would not rule out potentially returning but said, "I can't rush it."

“I kind of forgotten what it’s like to play normal,” Porter Jr. told reporters. “That’s why I’m blessed to have the surgery because I feel like I’ll be far better than I was playing without those limitations. So I kind of expected it to be the same just playing through the pain. But then it got worse to where I couldn’t play anymore. I didn’t feel like I’d be helpful to the team in the state I was in. I decided it wouldn’t be a go.”

Porter is expected to leave the program after the season regardless of whether he's able to return next season. He's considered a top-10 lock in June's NBA draft and should come off the board somewhere in the top five.

“I know when I’m healthy people will see what I’m capable of, and it’ll all take care of itself,” Porter said. “Even if I get drafted fifth, sixth, it’s how I do in the NBA that determines my legacy. I’m still going to become the best player that I can become. That will take care of itself.”

Missouri is 15-8 and right on the bubble of being an NCAA tournament team. Porter's potential return will likely be dependent on how the team is performing if he's cleared.