Ja Morant facts for kids
Morant with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021
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| No. 1 – Portland Trail Blazers | |
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| Point guard | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | August 10, 1999 Dalzell, South Carolina, U.S. |
| High school | Crestwood (Sumter, South Carolina) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 174 lb (79 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Murray State (2017–2019) |
| NBA Draft | 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall |
| Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies | |
| Pro career | 2019–present |
| League | NBA |
| Career history | |
| 2019–2026 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2026–present | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Temetrius Jamel Morant, known by fans around the world as Ja Morant, is an American professional basketball star. He plays as a point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association, known as the NBA. Before coming to Portland, he became famous playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant is celebrated for his lightning-fast speed, high leaps, and acrobatic dunks.
Before reaching the pros, Morant was a college superstar for the Murray State Racers. In 2019, he earned recognition as a first-team All-American. Scouts did not pay much attention to him in high school. However, he worked hard and became one of the top athletes in the world. He was selected second overall in the 2019 NBA draft. He later won the NBA Rookie of the Year trophy and became a multi-time NBA All-Star.
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Early Life and Growing Up in South Carolina
Temetrius Jamel Morant was born on August 10, 1999, in the small town of Dalzell, South Carolina. His parents are Tee Morant and Jamie Morant. Sports were a huge part of his family life from the very beginning. His mother played as a high school point guard and later played college softball. His father played basketball for Claflin University and was a high school teammate of future Hall of Famer Ray Allen.
His father chose to stay home to raise Ja instead of playing basketball overseas. He became a barber and spent countless hours helping his son learn the game. They built a basketball court in their backyard. Tee bought big tractor tires so Ja could practice jumping up and down. Landing softly on the rubber tires helped build strong leg muscles.
Backyard Drills and Early Competitions
In the backyard, Morant practiced step-back jump shots until it was dark outside. His father pushed him to play against older, taller kids in town. Morant was never intimidated by bigger players. He told his mother that he did not worry about playing against big kids.
Morant joined the Amateur Athletic Union circuit, known as AAU, playing for the South Carolina Hornets. This was a small team based in Columbia, South Carolina. On that team, he played alongside Zion Williamson, who also grew up to become a major basketball superstar. Together, they formed an exciting young duo that loved to score.
High School Years at Crestwood
Morant attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina. When he first joined the team, he stood only 5 feet 9 inches tall. Over his first three seasons, he hit a growth spurt and reached 6 feet tall. Even though he was shorter than many opponents, he was quick and clever with the ball.
By the time he graduated, Morant was the all-time leading scorer in school history with 1,679 points. He once scored an incredible 47 points in a single contest against rival Sumter High School. During his junior and senior years, he averaged 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. These numbers earned him South Carolina Class 3A All-State honors twice. He was named the All-Region Most Valuable Player three times. He could not even dunk a basketball until his senior year of high school.
The Snack That Changed Everything
Despite his high school achievements, major college ranking websites like ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals did not list Morant among their top players. Only one large school, the South Carolina Gamecocks, showed real interest. Morant remained an undiscovered talent until an accidental meeting took place.
In July 2016, James Kane, an assistant coach for the Murray State Racers, visited a basketball camp. He came to watch a different player. Kane grew hungry and left the main court to buy a snack at the concession stand. On his way, he walked past an auxiliary gym and saw Morant playing a fast-paced three-on-three game.
Kane stopped to watch and was amazed by Morant's court vision and passing skills. He immediately contacted head coach Matt McMahon. Coach McMahon rushed to see Morant and offered him a full scholarship. On September 3, 2016, during dinner at Coach McMahon's home, Morant officially committed to Murray State University. He chose the school because the coaches believed in his potential. Other schools like Duquesne, Maryland Eastern Shore, South Carolina State, and Wofford also offered scholarships, but Murray State won his heart.
College Basketball Stardom at Murray State
Morant arrived at Murray State University in Kentucky ready to prove that small-school players could compete with anyone. He quickly became one of the most exciting young playmakers in the entire country.
Freshman Year Success
Morant played his first college game on November 10, 2017. He scored 7 points and handed out 11 assists in a big 118–61 victory over Brescia University of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. He proved right away that he loved setting up his teammates for easy baskets.
On December 12, 2017, Morant earned his first double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists against the Saint Louis Billikens. Just a few weeks later, on December 28, he recorded a triple-double against the Eastern Illinois Panthers with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. It was only the second triple-double in Murray State history. His 14 assists set a new arena record at the CFSB Center, passing the old record set by Aubrey Reese against the Alabama State Hornets.
Morant scored a season-high 23 points against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks. By the end of his freshman campaign, he averaged 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He was selected to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team and earned First-Team All-OVC honors alongside teammates Jonathan Stark and Terrell Miller.
His 6.3 assists per game ranked 14th among all players in NCAA Division I. He became one of only seven freshmen in 25 years to gather 150 assists, 150 rebounds, and 10 blocks in a single season. Morant helped lead the Racers to an OVC Championship win over the Belmont Bruins. This victory sent Murray State to the big tournament, though they were later defeated by the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Sophomore Year Breakthrough
During the summer before his sophomore year, Morant attended Chris Paul's Elite Guard Camp. Practicing against top guards helped him sharpen his decision-making skills. When the 2018 season began, Morant was the team leader. In his season debut, he produced 26 points and 11 assists against the Wright State Raiders.
On November 24, 2018, Morant had 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists against the Missouri State Bears. This made him the first player in Murray State history to record two career triple-doubles. A few days later, he scored 38 points against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Reporters and professional scouts took notice. Sports writer Pat Forde wrote for Yahoo! Sports about Morant's incredible rise. Forde noted that Morant could become a rare top pick from a mid-major school, comparing his climb to former top picks like Elfrid Payton from the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns and Michael Olowokandi from the Pacific Tigers.
Breaking Records and National Fame
Morant was placed on the midseason watch list for the prestigious John R. Wooden Award. On January 10, 2019, he set a school record with 18 assists against the UT Martin Skyhawks. Nine days later, he delivered an unforgettable performance against the SIU Edwardsville Cougars. He scored 40 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed 5 steals.
During that contest, Morant made all 21 of his free throw attempts. This broke the conference record for consecutive made free throws. He also became the first Division I player in 20 years to produce 40 points, 10 assists, and 5 steals in a single game. On February 2, he scored 28 points against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, breaking the Murray State single-season assist record.
Later that month, in a win over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, Morant scored his 1,000th career point. He also broke the 32-year-old OVC single-season assist record previously held by Duane Washington of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.
The 2019 Championship Run
At the end of the regular season, Morant was named the OVC Player of the Year. He led the entire nation in assists per game. Writers for the United States Basketball Writers Association and The Sporting News voted him an All-American.
In the conference tournament semifinals, Morant made an exciting three-point play in the final seconds to beat the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. In the championship game, he scored 36 points to defeat the Belmont Bruins, who were missing standout center Nick Muszynski. Morant took home the tournament Most Valuable Player award.
Murray State entered the 2019 NCAA tournament as a twelfth seed. In the opening round, they faced the fifth-seeded Marquette Golden Eagles. Morant put on a show, scoring 17 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and handing out 16 assists. He became the eighth player in tournament history to record a triple-double, joining stars like Draymond Green. Murray State won easily, 83–64.
Their run ended in the next round with a loss to the Florida State Seminoles. Even in defeat, Morant scored 28 points. He finished the season averaging 24.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 10 assists per game. He made college basketball history as the first player to average at least 20 points and 10 assists across an entire season. After this magical year, he entered the 2019 NBA draft.
Professional Career in the NBA
Morant quickly took his electrifying style of play to the professional ranks, surprising opponents with his speed and high-flying dunks.
Memphis Grizzlies (2019–2026)
Winning Rookie of the Year (2019–20)
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The Memphis Grizzlies selected Morant with the second pick in the 2019 draft. He signed his first multi-year contract on July 2, 2019. He made his official debut on October 23, 2019, playing against the Miami Heat. He scored 14 points, along with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, and a block.
Just a few weeks later, on November 13, Morant hit a buzzer-beating layup to defeat the Charlotte Hornets, earning 23 points and 11 assists. On February 9, 2020, he earned his first NBA triple-double against the Washington Wizards. He was selected to play in the Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend.
Morant led all first-year players in total points and assists during the 2019–20 NBA season. Because of his leadership and scoring, the league awarded him the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Playoff Debut (2020–21)
In his second season, Morant continued to improve. On opening night, he scored 44 points against the San Antonio Spurs. He guided the Grizzlies into the postseason through the 2021 NBA Play-in Tournament. In a pressure-packed game against the Golden State Warriors, Morant scored 35 points to earn Memphis their first playoff spot in four years.
In his playoff debut, Morant scored 26 points to stun the top-seeded Utah Jazz. In Game 2 of the series, he scored 47 points. Although the Jazz eventually won the series, Morant proved that he could shine on the biggest stage.
All-Star Starter and Most Improved Player (2021–22)
The 2021–22 season became a historic year for Morant. In early games, he scored 37 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers and 40 points against the Los Angeles Lakers. He hit six three-pointers in a December rematch with the Lakers, scoring 41 points.
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Fans and coaches voted Morant to start in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game. The very next day, he celebrated by recording a 30-point triple-double against Utah. On February 16, he scored 44 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ten days later, Morant broke the Grizzlies' single-game scoring record with 46 points against the Chicago Bulls, surpassing Mike Miller. Just two nights after that, he broke his own record by scoring 52 points against San Antonio. He made 22 of his 30 shots and sank four three-pointers without a miss.
Morant helped Memphis win 56 games, tying the team record, and capture their first Southwest Division title. At the end of the year, he was awarded the NBA Most Improved Player Award and selected to the All-NBA Team.
During the 2022 playoffs, Morant had a triple-double against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Game 5 of that series, he made a game-winning layup with one second remaining. In the second round against Golden State, he scored 47 points in Game 2. He joined Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as the only players in league history to score 45 or more points multiple times in the playoffs before turning 23.
Later Seasons in Memphis (2023–2026)
Morant worked hard to help his team remain competitive in the Western Conference. On December 19, 2023, he scored 34 points, including a dramatic game-winning shot at the buzzer to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans.
Injuries sometimes slowed his momentum. In early 2024, he suffered a shoulder joint injury that required surgery. During the 2025–26 season, he suffered an elbow ligament sprain against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite missing games, he remained one of the league's most dangerous guards when healthy.
Portland Trail Blazers (2026–present)
On June 29, 2026, the Grizzlies made a major trade, sending Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. The trade gave Morant a fresh start with an exciting young roster in the Pacific Northwest.
Morant made his debut for Portland on October 21, 2026. He led the Trail Blazers to a 124–83 win over the Phoenix Suns, recording 14 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals. Fans in Portland gave him a warm welcome, cheering for his fast-break passes and high energy.
Player Profile and Playing Style
Morant is known for his explosive athletic ability. He can sprint from one end of the court to the other in seconds. When attacking the basket, he leaps high into the air to finish dunks over taller defenders.
Because of his speed and jumping skills, fans and analysts often compare him to veteran guard Russell Westbrook. Morant considers Westbrook his favorite player because Westbrook always played with great passion. In addition to scoring, Morant possesses exceptional passing vision, allowing him to throw pinpoint passes to teammates open behind the three-point line.
Personal Life and Off the Court
Family has always been central to Morant's life. He has a younger sister named Teniya. The two grew up playing one-on-one in their backyard. She also became a talented basketball player, competing in college for Mississippi Valley State.
Morant has the motto "beneath no one" tattooed on his arm. This phrase was advice given to him by his mother to remind him to always stay confident and never look up to any opponent with fear. He is also a devoted father to a daughter, who was born on August 7, 2019.
In Popular Culture
Morant's rise from an overlooked recruit to a superstar inspired many artists. In June 2021, he released an autobiographical documentary series called Promiseland, which showed his transition from college into the NBA.
Popular musicians have also celebrated his success. Rapper J. Cole mentioned Morant in the lyrics of his song "My Life" on his album The Off-Season. That same year, musical artist Moneybagg Yo wrote a tribute track titled "Rookie of the Year" honoring Morant's rise to professional fame.
Career Highlights and Awards
- 2-time NBA All-Star selection (2022, 2023)
- All-NBA Second Team selection (2022)
- NBA Most Improved Player Award winner (2022)
- NBA Rookie of the Year Award winner (2020)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2020)
- Consensus First-Team All-American (2019)
- Bob Cousy Award winner as the top college point guard (2019)
- Lute Olson Award winner (2019)
- OVC Player of the Year (2019)
- NCAA season assists leader (2019)
- Number 12 jersey retired by Murray State Racers
See also
In Spanish: Ja Morant para niños
