The history of Ja Morant….
Ja Morant, born on August 10, 1999, is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He played college basketball for the Murray State Racers, where he was a consensus first-team All-American as a sophomore in 2019.
Despite being lightly recruited by NCAA Division I programs, Morant made an immediate impact at Murray State University, earning first-team all-conference honors in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) as a freshman, His breakout sophomore season saw him win OVC Player of the Year and lead the NCAA in assists.
As a sophomore, Morant became the first player in NCAA history to average 20+ points and 10+ assists per game for a single season.
In the 2019 NBA draft, he was selected by the Grizzlies with the second overall pick and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020. In 2022, he was named to his first NBA All-Star Game as a starter and won the NBA Most Improved Player Award.
Early Years and High School Education
Temetrius Jamel Morant, better known as Ja Morant, was born in Dalzell, South Carolina. He was raised by Tee and Jamie Morant and became a basketball prodigy at Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina, where he attended high school. Even though NCAA Division I programs didn’t actively recruit Morant, his talent was obvious. He was recognized as an All-State selection and three times as the All-Region Most Valuable Player.
Murray State University College Career
Playing for the Murray State Racers, Morant pursued his basketball career at Murray State University. He was unanimously selected to the first team of the 2019 All-American team as a sophomore. But his influence started even sooner. He was named to the Ohio Valley Conference’s (OVC) first team all-conference during his rookie campaign. That being said, he had a tremendous sophomore season.
With his second campaign of 2019, Morant shot to national prominence. In addition to being the OVC Player of the Year, he had the most assists across the whole NCAA. His historic accomplishment—becoming the first player in NCAA history to average more than 20 points and 10 assists per game in a single season—was what really made him stand out. His scoring prowess, agility, and court vision made a lasting impression.
NBA Journey
In the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant was chosen by the Memphis Grizzlies as the second overall choice after they saw his enormous potential. He had an easy adjustment to the professional level. He wowed the crowd with his spectacular dunks, flashy playmaking, and clutch heroics throughout his first campaign. Because of his indisputable influence, Morant was deservedly named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020.
All-Star Acknowledgment and Ongoing Development
Morant’s fame grew even more when his career took off. He was invited to the NBA All-Star Game for the first time as a starter in 2022. His leadership on the court and explosive style of play cemented his place among the league’s best players. Morant didn’t stop there, though. He received the NBA Most Improved Player Award at the conclusion of that season, which is evidence of his unwavering commitment and work ethic.
Ja Morant is a good example of tenacity, willpower, and natural ability. He went from being an unranked high school prospect to becoming an NBA sensation. His influence is felt beyond the court as well, motivating young players and hoops fans everywhere. We can’t wait for the next exciting chapter in the amazing tale of Ja Morant, as he keeps growing.