Forward Jevon Porter has missed the last nine games for Missouri due to injury, but Dennis Gates gave an encouraging update this week on his possible return to play.
Porter, who suffered a leg injury in December, hasn't practiced since, but it appears he about to turn a corner based on Gates' latest comments.
"He's continuing to rehab, doing the things that he needs to do," said Gates. "I think he's getting into a return to play protocol, where now you transition from [the] treadmill to on the court activity."
Jevon Porter's return could jumpstart the struggling Tigers
Porter started the first 10 games of the season for Missouri before being replaced by Jacob Crews. He averaged 6.2 points, four rebounds and 1.6 assists in 17 minutes per game. How he might fit into the Tigers ever changing lineup is yet to be determined, but there's no question that Mizzou needs all the help that they can get.
At 14-7 overall and 4-4 in conference play, the Tigers are playing a dangerous game. They are currently projected to miss the NCAA Tournament, and have just 10 games remaining to boost their resume. After the blowout loss to Alabama this week, there's plenty of concern that it will happen. Missouri has just an 11 percent chance of making the Tournament according to the Torvik TourneyCast.
Still, if Porter can return to playing in the next few weeks, it might give the Tigers the added boost they need to close out the season on a hot streak. While Gates gave no indication on when that might be, it's safe to assume that earlier Porter can return, the better. Mizzou likely needs to win at least six of their remaining games, and probably even seven or eight to guarantee themselves a spot in the Big Dance.