NCAA Basketball: 5 most significant injuries of the season

HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 11: Tacko Fall #24 of the UCF Knights looks on during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the semifinal round of the AAC Basketball Tournament at the XL Center on March 11, 2017 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBIA, MO – DECEMBER 05: Michael Porter Jr. /

1. Michael Porter Jr., Missouri

In a college basketball galaxy a long, long time ago, Michael Porter Jr. prepared to shift the balance of power in the sport. He changed his commitment to the Missouri Tigers and brought a cast of recruits – including his brother – with him to the school.

Zealous fans were talking about the Final Four.

After just two minutes of play in the season-opener against Iowa State, however, it was over. A back injury required surgery and ended what was likely his only college basketball season. Porter Jr. scored two points and grabbed two rebounds, making his only shot of the season.

The McDonald’s All-American hasn’t been as missed as expected in Mizzou. The Tigers are hanging around at a quiet 13-5, albeit with just one AP Top 25 win on their resume so far. They find themselves as a No. 9 seed in the latest bracketology.

But with Porter Jr. on the court, the Tigers could be reaching astronomical heights. Surely, the college basketball universe would be discussing them in the same way they discuss Oklahoma and Trae Young.

Sadly, this is a familiar script. The likes of Greg Oden and Kyrie Irving endured injury-forsaken college campaigns, only to find themselves atop the following NBA Draft. Perhaps that’s the end of MPJ’s college narrative.

Next: Jock Landale for WCC Player of the Year

But that’s a sad solution for college basketball fans everywhere.

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