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Full Name: Temetrius Jamel Morant
Date of Birth: August 10, 1999
Birthplace: Dalzell, South Carolina, USA
Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight: 174 lbs (79 kg)
Position: Point Guard
NBA Team: Memphis Grizzlies (Drafted in 2019)
Jersey Number: 12
College: Murray State University (2017–2019)
Draft Position: 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft
NBA Debut: October 23, 2019
Awards and Achievements:
Ja Morant’s path to the NBA is a story of grit, perseverance, and a bit of serendipity. Raised in Dalzell, South Carolina, Morant’s basketball roots were planted early, as his father, Tee Morant, a former college basketball player, trained him in their backyard. Despite his talent, Morant wasn’t highly recruited coming out of Crestwood High School due to his modest size and playing in a small town.
Morant’s life-changing moment came unexpectedly when a Murray State assistant coach discovered him playing a 3-on-3 game during a basketball camp snack break. Despite not being on the main court with other top prospects, his skill and intensity caught the coach’s eye. Murray State offered him a scholarship, and Morant seized the opportunity.
In college, Morant quickly became a sensation. As a sophomore, he led the nation in assists per game (10.0) while also scoring 24.5 points per game. His explosive athleticism, court vision, and leadership propelled Murray State to the NCAA Tournament, where he delivered a triple-double in the first round, further raising his draft stock.
In the 2019 NBA Draft, Ja Morant was selected as the 2nd overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. He was seen as the franchise's future, expected to replace Mike Conley as the cornerstone of the team. Morant’s rookie season validated the hype, as he averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 assists, and electrified the league with his high-flying dunks and dynamic playmaking. He won Rookie of the Year honors, cementing himself as one of the NBA's rising stars.
Morant’s NBA career has been defined by his relentless drive to improve. In the 2021–22 season, he made his first All-Star appearance and led the Grizzlies to the second-best record in the league. Known for his highlight-reel plays, humility, and leadership, Morant has become a fan favorite and one of the most marketable young stars in the league.
Despite challenges, including injuries and off-court scrutiny, Ja Morant’s resilience and passion for the game remain the foundation of his career.
1. Nickname
His family and friends call him "G12" because of his jersey number and his explosive playing style.
2. Dunking Legacy
Ja credits dunking as one of the most exciting parts of his game, which he perfected by practicing on a backyard hoop growing up.
3. Father’s Sacrifice
Ja's father, Tee Morant, gave up his basketball career to support Ja and train him, setting the foundation for his success.
4. Small-Town Star
Coming from a small town in South Carolina, he embraces his roots and often credits his humble beginnings for his strong work ethic.
5. Loves Fortnite
When not on the court, Ja enjoys playing Fortnite to relax and connect with friends.
6. Signature Shoes
In 2023, Ja became one of the youngest players to have a signature sneaker line with Nike, called the Ja 1s.
7. Fan of LeBron
Growing up, Ja was a big fan of LeBron James and admired his versatility and dominance on the court.
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