[CAM2006]

Porter Makes Decision on Future

Conventional wisdom suggests Kentucky's roster may look entirely different by the time Big Blue Madness rolls around next October. With a new coaching staff, a recruiting class in flux and decisions on professional careers looming there is a great deal of uncertainty right now.

One player has apparently already made his decision just one week after John Calipari was hired as the Cats' new coach. The Cats' Pause has learned Michael Porter intends to give up his final season of eligibility to focus on personal matters, including the upcoming birth of his first child with wife, Bryana.

Porter came to the decision on his own and was not forced out by Calipari, who has a dribble drive style of offense that doesn't appear to be well suited for Porter's skill set. Barring any unexpected change of heart the junior intends on graduating this summer with a degree in Business-Finance and entering the work force.

UK basketball spokesperson DeWayne Peevy could not confirm or deny Porter's decision.

The junior point guard started all 36 of UK's games this season, averaging 4.1 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He played 23.5 minutes per game and shot 33.0 percent from three-point range (32-of-97) while also producing 31 steals on the year.

Through little fault of his own Porter became a lightning rod for criticism from fans that preferred to see the more naturally gifted - but also more erratic - DeAndre Liggins and Kevin Galloway get the bulk of the minutes at point guard. Porter certainly not flashy but he played much better down the stretch, hitting 39 percent from long range over the Cats' final 13 games. He also had two or fewer turnovers in each of UK's final nine games.

Porter appeared in 90 games at UK, starting 45 of those under former coach Billy Gillispie. He totaled more assists than turnovers for his career and connected on 54 three-pointers over that span.