Michael Porter Jr. cleared to play, team confirms

On Friday, the Mizzou basketball team confirmed Michael Porter Jr. has been cleared to practice.

Head coach Cuonzo Martin said Porter Jr. will begin practicing with the team today. He would not say whether or not Porter Jr. will play in a game this season.

Martin said, “I couldn’t tell you when he steps on the floor, if he steps on the floor.”

Mizzou forward Jordan Barnett said all he knows now is Porter Jr. is cleared. He says he’s excited to get him back practicing with the team.

Junior forward Kevin Puryear would not say whether or not Porter Jr. would play this season. He did say having Porter Jr., “would be a great asset to have especially going into March.”

CBS Sports reporter Jon Rothstein was the first to report the news on Thursday.

Porter Jr. was reportedly cleared at a meeting with his surgeon in Dallas, Texas on Thursday. The former Tolton star had back surgery there in November. The projected recovery time was three to four months.

Mizzou has three regular season games left before the SEC Tournament. The Tigers next game is on Saturday on the road against Kentucky at 7:15 p.m.