Story by Maggiann Ackerman
Staff Writer
mackerman@murraystate.edu
Murray State sophomore point guard Ja Morant made his objective for the season very clear following Murray State’s media day: bring home another championship.
Morant was projected to be drafted No. 19 by ESPN Draft analyst Jonathan Givony in his most recent mock draft. Despite being a highly-touted prospect, the sophomore has adopted a humble approach and has his eyes set on only what he can control.
“My focus is on Murray State and building another championship team,” Morant said.
During the offseason, Morant worked to improve his shooting game to make this goal a reality. Morant was invited to attend NBA guard Chris Paul’s Elite Guard Camp, where he said Paul gave him insightful pointers relating to the screen-based offense the Racers employ.
“He just talked to me about what to read off the screens with the offense we run and where to look to be open off them,” Morant said.
Morant’s father, Tee, who was an NBA prospect himself before he gave up his career to raise his son, gave Ja advice about declaring for the NBA draft. Morant said his dad told him to focus on his game and let the rest fall into place, and that’s just what the sophomore has done.
The season ahead looks promising, as Morant noted the team this year is loaded.
“I feel like we have more shooters than last year and more pieces to put the puzzle together,” Morant said. “We’re really not selfish. We are a very unselfish team and don’t focus on who is scoring.”
Morant has a positive attitude about the team chemistry that has already been building on and off-the-court.
“We all are comfortable with each other, and we do almost everything together,” Morant said. “All of us, every day after practice we get together until it’s time for bed. We bonded really fast, and I know that will help in the end.”
Being looked up to as a leader on the team, despite only being a sophomore, is a comfortable spot for Morant to be in.
“It’s not weird being a leader; it’s a position I’ve always been in,” Morant said.