Recruiting report: Jontay Porter (2018)
ASHLAND, Mo. — The Pacific Northwest and the mountains have a special place in young Jontay Porter’s heart. Although he might be best known as the younger brother of one of the nation’s premier basketball prospects, 2017 Michael Porter, Jontay…
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Continue ReadingASHLAND, Mo. — The Pacific Northwest and the mountains have a special place in young Jontay Porter’s heart.
Although he might be best known as the younger brother of one of the nation’s premier basketball prospects, 2017 Michael Porter, Jontay Porter has made a name for himself in his own right. He is a highly skilled 6-foot-9 interior player who drew an offer from his hometown Missouri Tigers last year as a freshman.
But Porter said he made his college decision while traveling with his family — in the mountains.
“I made it in August, I was coming back from a family vacation in Virginia and I was up in the mountains and I just prayed to God about it,” Porter said. “I think it was the best thing for me and my family.
“It was little odd — most of the time the older brother commits first. (The Pacific Northwest) was one of my favorite places when I was a child because of the culture — the mountains and the beach, it is all awesome,” he said.
Porter said he drew attention from several other schools and chose Washington over his hometown Tigers as well as Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and several other Mid-Majors.
Although he is blessed with a versatile skill set, Porter said his game starts at the defensive end of the court. He combines size, length and athleticism with timing and awareness and is among the state’s premier shot blockers.
“I think my best attribute is defensive, just my awareness,” Porter said. “A block is one of my favorite things to do — it is just exciting.
“I think my offensive game is progressing, but I am focused really on defense.”
Offensively, Porter is a well-rounded post player who can do a little bit of everything. He can handle the ball, face up, post up, pass and can stretch the defense with a smooth left-handed jumper.
“I think for my size, already, I can handle the ball a little bit, better than most guys my size,” Porter said. “But I would like to tighten that up a little bit and get even better handles. And also, my shooting ability, I can be a little streaky. I would just like to be more consistent.”
Playing alongside his older brother, Porter has helped lead Tolton Catholic to a No. 1 state ranking in Missouri Class 3 and the talented team draws a crowd of fans everywhere they go.
“At first, as a freshman, it was kind of nerve wracking, going out there and seeing the big crowds,” Porter said. “But I actually think I thrive off it now. When the crowds aren’t there it’s not as fun. It’s a big part of the game and I love it.”
Porter played last year for the MoKan Elite 16s, playing up one age level. He said that experience has helped him raise his game to an even higher level this season.
“I think that has been the best thing for my game, it has really helped my confidence,” Porter said. “Going out there and playing against the best players, and then coming back here, it helps knowing that I am ready.”