50 Facts About Ja Morant

Early Life and Family Background

Ja Morant's journey to NBA stardom began in a small town in South Carolina. His family played a significant role in shaping his early interest in sports.

1. Ja Morant, whose full name is Temetrius Jamel Morant, was born in Dalzell, South Carolina.
2. His father, Tee Morant, was a high school teammate of NBA legend Ray Allen at Hillcrest High.
3. Tee Morant later played college basketball for Division II Claflin University.
4. Ja's mother, Jamie, was a point guard in high school and a softball player in college.
5. This athletic lineage likely influenced Ja's early interest in sports, particularly basketball.

High School Career

Despite his talent, Ja Morant was not highly recruited out of high school. His journey to recognition was filled with hard work and determination.

6. Morant attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina.
7. During his high school years, he grew from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 0 inches.
8. He became Crestwood High School's all-time leading scorer with 1,679 points.
9. Despite his impressive high school career, Morant was not highly recruited by NCAA Division I programs.
10. He was unranked by major recruiting services but eventually caught the attention of Murray State University.

College Career at Murray State

Ja Morant's college career at Murray State was nothing short of spectacular. He quickly made a name for himself and set numerous records.

11. Morant played college basketball for the Murray State Racers.
12. As a freshman, he earned first-team all-conference honors in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
13. In his sophomore year, he became the first player in NCAA history to average 20-plus points and 10-plus assists per game for a single season.
14. Morant led Murray State to the second round of the NCAA tournament in his sophomore year.
15. He recorded the ninth triple-double in tournament history and was named OVC Player of the Year.

NBA Draft and Professional Debut

Ja Morant's transition to the NBA was seamless. He quickly established himself as one of the league's top young talents.

16. Morant was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.
17. He made his professional debut on October 23, 2019, against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
18. In the 2019-20 NBA season, Morant emerged as the Kia Rookie of the Year.
19. He led all qualified NBA rookies in scoring (17.6 ppg) and assists (6.9 apg) while shooting 49.1% from the field in 59 games.
20. During the 2020-21 season, Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies played in the State Farm NBA Play-In Tournament.

Achievements and Accolades

Ja Morant's list of achievements continues to grow. His accolades highlight his impact on the court and his rapid rise in the NBA.

21. Morant scored 47 points in a play-in game, a feat achieved by legendary players like George Mikan.
22. He became the first member of his NBA Draft class to secure a shoe deal with Nike.
23. In 2022, Morant was named to his first NBA All-Star Game as a starter.
24. At the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, Morant won the NBA Most Improved Player Award.
25. Morant was selected to his first All-NBA Team in 2022.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite his success, Ja Morant has faced several controversies that tested his character and resolve.

26. In March 2023, he displayed a handgun on Instagram Live while in Colorado for a game against the Denver Nuggets.
27. This incident led to an eight-game suspension from the NBA.
28. After his suspension, Morant made his highly anticipated return on March 22, 2023.
29. He came off the bench in a home game against the Houston Rockets and put up 17 points, four rebounds, and five assists in his 24 minutes of play-time.
30. The fans met him with an extravagant standing ovation.

Impact on Team Performance

Ja Morant's presence on the court significantly impacts the Memphis Grizzlies' performance. His leadership and skills elevate the team's play.

31. During Morant’s suspension, the Grizzlies won six games and lost three.
32. Since his return, the Grizzlies have gone 5-2, with Morant averaging 27 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds per game.
33. This high scoring average places him among the top players in the league.
34. Morant’s absence during his suspension gave up-and-coming players like Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks the opportunity to shine.
35. The Memphis Grizzlies have managed to retain the number two seed in the West and are the fourth-best team in the entire league.

Playoff Potential and High-Flying Play Style

With Ja Morant leading the charge, the Grizzlies have a chance of seeing greater playoff success. His high-flying play style makes him one of the most exciting players to watch.

36. Despite past struggles, the team is closer than ever to winning the finals.
37. Morant is known for his high-flying and aggressive play style.
38. He has spent the past four seasons making a name for himself as one of the best guards in the NBA.
39. During his time at Murray State, Morant broke several records.
40. He became the first NCAA Division I men's player in 20 years to tally at least 40 points, 10 assists, and 5 steals in a single game.

Records and Recognition

Ja Morant's records and recognition continue to grow, showcasing his impact on the game and his place among the league's elite.

41. He set the school record for most assists in a single game with 18.
42. Morant shattered OVC records by becoming the first player to record multiple triple-doubles in a single season.
43. He also broke the OVC single-season assist record, which had been held for 32 years by Duane Washington of Middle Tennessee.
44. Morant was part of the highly touted 2019 NBA draft class, which included other notable players like Zion Williamson.
45. Despite the competition, Morant emerged as the Kia Rookie of the Year.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Ja Morant remains grounded and dedicated to his family and community. His involvement off the court is as impressive as his achievements on it.

46. Morant has a significant social media presence and often engages with his fans.
47. He is known for his humble beginnings and his dedication to his family.
48. Morant is involved in various community initiatives and often participates in charity events.
49. He has a vast and dedicated fan base that admires his skills on the court and his inspiring story off the court.
50. Morant's journey from an overlooked high school player to an NBA star has inspired many young athletes.

Ja Morant's Impact and Legacy

Ja Morant's journey from an overlooked high school player to an NBA star is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, hard work, and talent have made him a standout player in the league. From winning Rookie of the Year to becoming an NBA All-Star, Morant's achievements highlight his incredible growth. Despite facing controversies, he has shown resilience and a commitment to learning from his mistakes. His influence extends beyond the court, with significant community involvement and a strong connection with fans. As Morant continues to evolve, his legacy in the NBA will undoubtedly grow, inspiring future generations of basketball players. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion, proving that with determination, anything is possible. Ja Morant's impact on the game and his community will be remembered for years to come.