Top prospect Michael Porter Jr. will attend Missouri

Top overall prospect Michael Porter Jr. chose to attend Missouri on Friday, one day after Washington released him from his letter of intent.

Porter Jr. announced his decision one day after his father, former Washington assistant Michael Porter Sr., was hired as an assistant coach by new Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin.

Porter Jr. is from Missouri so his selection of the Tigers wasn't much of a surprise. He asked for his release from Washington after the school fired coach Lorenzo Romar.

"Last week everything changed for me regarding my college basketball decision," Porter Jr. wrote on Twitter. "Realizing I would no longer have the opportunity to play for Coach Romar, I've taken the past seven days to give great consideration to my future.

"After a lot of thought, prayer, and talking with my family, I'm excited to announce that next year I will be attending the University of Missouri! I am looking forward to the year ahead with Coach Cuonzo and my new teammates. Together we hope to restore the atmosphere at Mizzou Arena.

"MIZZOU NATION I'M COMING HOME!!!"

The 6-foot-10 Porter was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year after he averaged 36.2 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.2 steals and 2.7 blocked shots this season.

His brother, high school junior Jontay Porter, previously decommitted from Washington after the firing of Romar.

Sisters Bri and Cierra Porter play for the Missouri women's team. Porter Sr. is married to the sister of Missouri women's coach Robin Pingeton.

Porter Jr. is considered a one-and-done college player wherever he winds up. He is projected as the No. 1 overall draft choice in the 2018 NBA draft by nbadraft.net.

He said earlier this week that he remains stunned by Romar's firing at Washington.

"I was shocked," Porter Jr. said. "I thought we had something special coming to Washington."