When it comes to rising stars in the NBA, Ja Morant is certainly a name that you’ll hear thrown around quite frequently. Known for his lightning-fast moves and impressive court vision, Morant has quickly established himself as a standout player in the league. But before he made it to the big leagues, where did he get his start? Let’s take a closer look at Ja Morant’s high school years.

Key Takeaways

• Ja Morant attended high school in South Carolina.
• He played basketball for Crestwood High School.
• Morant’s impressive skills on the court helped him earn a scholarship to play college basketball.

Ja Morant’s Early Basketball Career

Ja Morant’s high school basketball career was nothing short of impressive. He attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina where he quickly became a standout player on the basketball court. As a sophomore, he averaged 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. This incredible performance earned him the recognition of being named South Carolina’s Class 3A Player of the Year.

Morant’s junior year was even more spectacular as he averaged 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. He led his team to the state playoffs and set a school record for points in a single game with 52. His outstanding season earned him a spot on the All-State team and he was also named South Carolina’s Class 3A Player of the Year for the second time.

During his senior year, Morant continued to excel and averaged 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists per game. He led his team to the state championship game and set another school record for most points in a season with 936. He finished his high school career with a total of 2,964 points, 792 rebounds, and 807 assists.

High School Stats and Highlights

Morant’s high school stats and highlights are a testament to his basketball skills and talent. In addition to his impressive scoring, rebounding, and assist numbers, he also had numerous memorable moments on the court. Some of his notable highlights include buzzer-beating shots, high-flying dunks, and incredible passes that left opponents amazed.

Records Set

Morant set several records during his high school career. He finished as Crestwood High School’s all-time leading scorer and holds the school records for most assists and most steals in a single season. He also ranks in the top 10 for most rebounds in a season and most points in a game.

High School Education of Ja Morant

Beyond basketball, Ja Morant was also a dedicated student during his high school years. He attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina, where he earned a 3.9 GPA, according to his high school coach. Morant was a member of the National Honor Society and even made the Academic Honor Roll during his junior year.

While he clearly had a talent for both academics and athletics, Morant faced some challenges as a student-athlete. In an interview with ESPN, his high school coach mentioned that Morant had to work extra hard to keep up with his schoolwork while also dedicating time to basketball practices and games. Despite the extra workload, Morant maintained his commitment to both academics and athletics.

Influence of High School Coaches on Ja Morant

Ja Morant’s high school coaches played a crucial role in his development as a basketball player. His coaches not only introduced him to the fundamentals of basketball but also instilled in him the discipline and work ethic necessary to achieve success at the highest level.

One of Morant’s coaches, Wes Long, recognized his potential early on and worked closely with him to develop his skills. Long pushed Morant to master the basics of the game, such as dribbling and passing, before moving on to more advanced skills like shooting and defense.

Another coach who played an integral role in Morant’s development was James Williams. Williams, who was also an athletic trainer, helped Morant build his strength and endurance, which proved crucial in his ability to withstand the physical demands of the game.

Both coaches emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication, teaching Morant that success is earned through effort and perseverance. The lessons they imparted to him during his high school years would stick with him throughout his basketball journey.

The Mentors that Helped Morant Rise

Long and Williams were more than just basketball coaches to Morant. They were mentors who helped shape him into the person he is today. Their guidance and influence extended beyond the basketball court, as they taught him life skills such as time management and goal setting.

Their impact on Morant was evident when he gave a shoutout to Williams and Long in his NBA draft speech, thanking them for their unwavering support and guidance throughout his journey.

“Coach Long, Coach Williams, you guys have been there with me since day one. I appreciate you guys.”

Their influence on Morant cannot be understated. The lessons and values they imparted to him during his high school years helped set him up for success, both on and off the court.

Ja Morant’s Recruitment Process

After a successful high school career, Ja Morant received multiple offers from various colleges. He considered factors such as location, team culture, and coaching staff before making his decision.

College	Offer Details
Murray State	Full scholarship offer with immediate playing time
South Carolina	Partial scholarship offer with a chance to compete for playing time
Clemson	Full scholarship offer with a chance to compete for playing time

Ultimately, Morant chose to attend Murray State University in Kentucky. He was drawn to the team’s style of play and the opportunity for immediate playing time as a freshman.

During his time at Murray State, Morant made a name for himself as a talented point guard and caught the attention of NBA scouts. He declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore year and was selected as the second overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019.

College Basketball Career of Ja Morant

After graduating from high school, Ja Morant attended Murray State University in Kentucky to play college basketball. In his freshman season, he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the country. He averaged 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, becoming only the third player in NCAA history to average at least six rebounds and six assists as a freshman.

During his sophomore year, Morant led his team to an impressive 28-5 record, winning the Ohio Valley Conference championship and securing their spot in the NCAA Tournament. It was during this tournament that Morant captured the attention of the world with his incredible performance in the first round against Marquette, where he recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds.

Despite losing in the second round of the tournament, Morant was named the OVC Player of the Year and was a consensus first-team All-American. He finished his college basketball career averaging 18.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the top prospects in the 2019 NBA draft.

Transitioning to the NBA from High School

After an impressive high school basketball career, Ja Morant had his sights set on playing at the next level. He was highly sought after by many colleges across the country, but ultimately chose to attend Murray State University in Kentucky.

As he excelled at the collegiate level, Morant began to draw attention from NBA teams. In 2019, he declared for the NBA draft and was selected as the second overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Transitioning to the NBA was a big step for Morant, but he was prepared. In an interview with ESPN, he talked about his mindset going into his rookie season:

“I’m just going in with the mindset of working hard every day, trying to get better and help my team win.”

And that’s exactly what he did. In his first year in the league, Morant averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. He quickly established himself as a rising star in the league, showcasing the skills and talent that were honed during his high school and college years.

The transition to the NBA wasn’t without its challenges, but Morant’s dedication and hard work paid off. He continues to make a name for himself in the league and is poised to have a long and successful career ahead of him.

Impact of High School on Ja Morant’s NBA Career

Ja Morant’s high school experience played a significant role in shaping his NBA career. It was during these formative years that he developed the skills, work ethic, and mentality that have made him a standout player in the professional league.

One of the most significant influences on Morant was his high school coaches. They recognized his potential early on and worked tirelessly to help him develop his game. Their guidance and support were critical in molding him into the player he is today.

But it wasn’t just his coaches that had an impact. Morant’s high school education, both on and off the court, helped him develop into a well-rounded individual with a strong sense of self-discipline. This foundation has served him well in the NBA, where he has demonstrated a relentless work ethic and a commitment to self-improvement.

Additionally, Morant’s high school career prepared him for the rigors of college and professional basketball. His success on the high school court gave him the confidence and skills he needed to excel at the next level.

Overall, Morant’s high school experience was crucial in preparing him for his NBA career. It laid the foundation for his success and helped him develop the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the professional league.

Conclusion

Ja Morant’s journey from high school to the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. He started his basketball career in Sumter County, South Carolina, where he attended Crestwood High School.

During his high school years, Morant excelled in basketball, setting records and winning numerous awards. His success on the court earned him college scholarship offers from several universities.

After weighing his options, Morant ultimately decided to attend Murray State University, where he continued to showcase his basketball talent and become a dominant force on the court.

In 2019, Morant was drafted second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, where he has continued to impress fans and critics alike with his dynamic skills and athleticism.

It’s clear that Morant’s high school years played a significant role in his success as a basketball player. The guidance of his coaches, his dedication to both academics and sports, and his unwavering work ethic all contributed to his development as a player.

As Morant continues to shine in the NBA, it’s evident that his high school experience laid the foundation for his success and has contributed to his rise as one of the league’s rising stars.