Ja Morant is an American professional basketball player. He plays in the National Basketball Association for his drafting team, the Memphis Grizzlies. In 2022 and 2023, he was named an NBA All-Star. During his rookie year in 2020, he was named the League’s Rookie of the Year.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Temetrius Jamel “Ja” Morant was born on August 10, 1999, in Dalzell, South Carolina, U.S.A. He stands 191 cm and his weight is listed at 79 kg. A right-handed player, he plays the position of a point guard.
His sister, Teniya, used to play basketball with Morant in their backyard. She currently plays high school basketball. He has a daughter who was born in 2019.
| Team |
Memphis Grizzlies
|
| Position | Point Guard |
| Height / weight | 1.88 m / 79 kg |
| Born | 10 Aug 1999 |
| Nationality |
United States
|
| Playing Style | Right Handed |
| Nickname | Ja |
| Team History | |
|
Memphis
|
2019 - present |
High School and College Career
Morant attended Crestwood High School. During this time, he grew up to 6 inches and was considered the school’s all-time leading basketball player. Some of the awards he earned during his high school years included an All-Region Most Valuable Player. He was the only player from his school who earned the said award three times.
A chance encounter with a recruiter made it possible for Morant to join Murray State’s basketball team. During his freshman year at Murray State, Morant earned OVC All-Newcomer Team and First-team All-OVC recognitions. He was also recognized for his excellent assists. His popularity grew in 2018 during his sophomore year. This popularity put him on the list of several scouts including the Elite Guard Camp of Chris Paul. This was also the time that he became the lead player of his school and earned record-breaking triple-doubles.
Professional Career
During the 2019 NBA Draft, he was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. He was the 2nd overall pick of that draft. He signed his rookie contract with them in July of that year.
His first game was on October 23, 2019, against the Miami Heat. His first year in the NBA marked a lot of highlights including amazing assists and triple-doubles which led him to be part of the NBA All-Rookie First Team and earn the NBA Rookie of the Year title.
In 2022, he was named an NBA All-Star. He would be named an All-Star again in 2023.
At the start of the 2023-2024 Season, the NBA got Morant suspended for 25 games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league.
Career Highlights
- 2022, 2023 - NBA All-Star
- 2020 - NBA Rookie of the Year
- 2020 - NBA All-Rookie First Team
- 2019 - Consensus first-team All-American
- 2019 - NCAA season assists leader
- 2019 - Lute Olson Award
- 2019 - Bob Cousy Award
- 2019 - OVC Player of the Year
- 2018, 2019 - First-team All-OVC
- 2019 - OVC Tournament MVP
- 2018 - OVC All-Newcomer Team
- No. 12 retired by Murray StateRacers
People Ask
Where is Ja Morant from?
He was born in Dalzell, South Carolina in the United States of America.
When was Ja Morant born?
He was born on August 10, 1999.
What position does Ja Morant play?
He is a point guard.
