2018 NBA Draft: Assessing the Porter brothers Tournament debut
By Connor Harr
Jontay Porter’s First Half
Jontay Porter drew the start for Missouri Friday night, while Michael came off the bench. The Tigers started the game out in a 2-3 zone. It was the perfect setting for Jontay Porter to show just how smart of a team defender he is. Jontay made one beautiful off ball read defensively after another showing how stout of a team defender he really is. Early on it became clear that Florida State was not going to let Jontay get the ball in the mid, high, or low post. Jontay handled an early post trap well. He made a great cross court pass, but unfortunately resulted in a missed 3-pointer.
As the first half went on Missouri switched back to a man to man defense with around 14 minutes left in the first half. Jontay Porter continued to impress defensively even in man to man defense. He stayed step for step with some quicker forwards from Florida State when he had to guard them on the ball. Jontay even had a great rotation block in the first half. His brother Michael was beat off the dribble by Terrance Mann. Jontay rotated over and blocked Mann’s shot attempt at the rim.
Even with Jontay’s impressive defensive first half he struggled mightily scoring. He missed two wide open 3-pointers, and both of his free throw attempts. However, Jontay Porter also did a nice job of rebounding the basketball. Even though Jontay doesn’t out jump his opponents for the rebound with crazy athleticism, he always boxes out. Jontay makes sure that he will not give up an offensive rebound. Sadly, Jontay Porter’s first half was cut short with foul trouble.