UW Husky Class of 2018 Jontay Porter Reopens Recruitment

As the first concrete reaction to the UW Husky dismissal of former head coch Lorenzon Romar, UW Husky Men’s Basketball recruiting class of 2018 has lost the commitment of Jontay Porter

The University of Washington Husky Men’s Basketball Team continues to roll with the punches.  The recruiting class of 2018 has just lost the commitment of Michael Porter Jr.’s brother, Jontay Porter.  Both young men are not so coincidentally sons of Husky assistant coach Michael Porter Sr..

Former head coach Lorenzo Romar hired Michael Porter Sr. as an assistant head coach. This week, Romar was released by the University of Washington. Romar served as head coach for the past 15 years.

On one hand, the news places a question into the discussion of all coaches of the men’s basketball team.  That question is especially hanging over the status of Porter Sr..  On the other hand, within hours of the announcement,  reports have surfaced suggesting that Porter Sr. has already been offered a job with Missouri.

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The delay in that announcement may  merely be protocol, as there have been number reports of Porter following Missouri’s new head coach Cuonzo Martin.

Step Into Their Shoes

But stepping back for a minute, a young man faces uncertainty in his future. The University of Washington is moving quickly to fill the head coaching void left by Romar’s wake.  But Lorenzo Romar was more than a basketball coach. He was a mentor to young athletes about life itself.

Nugg Love

Without questioning the decision to part ways, the basketball program will be led by a new man, with new priorities. He will be a stranger to these young men who are part of the basketball program, or who have planned to join the Huskies basketball team in the future.  The departure of Romar has created a significant void in these players lives now.

It’s life. It’s the business aspect of athletics. Accountability, results, drive much of the decisions in this life.  It’s an unavoidable lesson, sometimes bad things happen to good people.

But to a young man, a man with less of life’s experiences to draw upon, this ripple rocks their life. Without that experience of having lived it previously, they have less knowledge of what comes next.

Nor can they predict how they will be impacted by the news.  After all, this is very likely their first time through something like this.

Jontay Wise To Step Back

To no surprise, Jontay Porter has opened up his recruitment.

Let me be frank. This was a wise decision. While it hurts the Washington Husky basketball program initially, there could be no other choice.

His father was virtually the sole purpose for his commitment to the University of Washington Husky basketball program. In essence, he committed to his father, not to the Huskies. And if that was the commitment that brought Jontay to the precipice of becoming a Husky, we must be equally supportive if that loyalty takes him away.

But this is our test, not his. This is where we are put to the task of maturity and responsibility.  Jontay Porter is not rejecting the University of Washington. He’s merely stepping back from the ambiguity.

"“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” – Martin Luther King, Jr."

That’s a mature and responsible course of action, and tells a great deal about the respect he has been taught from a father who has infused the love of basketball and excellence into the hearts of his children.  We owe it to Jontay Porter to honor his decision with respect.

Reset Recruitment Board

Yes, there is disappointment at the thought of a highly coveted recruit stepping out of a commitment to the University of Washington.  To his part, I have and will continue to wish Jontay Porter, and to the entire Porter family, blessings wisdom and strength for the road ahead.

The Washington Huskies have struggled to find success.  Life skills and basketball skills are not one and the same.  I have had a full enriching life, but I will never compete for a basketball title. Right now, the University of Washington seeks to do just that. In that process, the program seeks a head coach with the energy, commitment to winning, and passion to bring success.

There is no reason to believe that new head coach will work out for Jontay Porter. Nor is there any reason to doubt whether he could.

But there is every reason to stand behind Jontay Porter right now. He was drawn to the University of Washington, in part, but the gentlemanly stature and class of Lorenzo Romar. Now, we must exhibit that same refinement, and respect, for the young man to determine the best choice for his future.

Next: UW Husky MBB Players Impacted By News Of Lorenzo Romar’s Release

The seeds we plant for the next generation come from the hands, words and deeds of all. Best of luck to you Jontay Porter.  We at the Husky Haul wish you wisdom and courage for the future.  But know if you step foot onto a basketball court in the jersey of the other team, the Washington Huskies will compete hard.  I’m guessing Jontay Poter would not have it any other way.