Josh Embry
Contributing Writer
jembry3@murraystate.edu
On Saturday, Feb. 1, former star Racer Ja Morant will have his No. 12 jersey retired at halftime of the men’s basketball game against SIUE at the CFSB Center.
Morant, who played at Murray State from 2017 to 2019, will be the 11th men’s basketball player to have his number retired and is the first one since 2018.
During his two years with Murray State, Morant was a key player in the Racers winning back-to-back OVC championships as well as earning two NCAA Tournament appearances. In the 2019 NCAA Tournament, Morant led the Racers to an 83-64 win over Marquette, finishing with the ninth triple-double in NCAA Tournament history.
Murray State went a dominating 54-11 overall and 32-4 in OVC play during Morant’s career. He averaged 24.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 10 apg in his sophomore year and became the first player to average 20 points and 10 assists since the NCAA made assists an official stat in 1983.
Additionally, Morant set both the points and assists single-season record for Murray State, was a 13-time All-American selection and was the OVC’s first consensus All-American selection since 1971.
Head Coach Matt McMahon, who coached Morant during his Racer career, had nothing but positive words to say about Morant.
“From 2017 to 2019 we had the great privilege of coaching one of the best players in college basketball history,” McMahon said. “His unique combination of explosive athleticism, intelligence, unselfishness and relentless competitive drive enabled him to lead the Racers to back-to-back championship seasons and countless magical moments on the court. He is the ultimate winner, an elite teammate and an absolute joy to coach. We look forward to seeing Ja Morant’s No. 12 Murray State jersey drop from the rafters on Saturday night. He is so deserving of this special honor.”
Because of his stellar career at Murray State, Morant was drafted second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft to the Memphis Grizzlies. He became the highest NBA draft pick from the OVC in the conference’s history.
Morant’s jersey retirement ceremony will begin at halftime of the men’s basketball game against SIUE. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the CFSB Center.
“We are incredibly honored and privileged to welcome Ja, and his family, back to campus for this special ceremony,” said Kevin Saal, Murray State’s Director of Athletics. “Ja’s impact on Murray State University, the Athletics Department and basketball program cannot be overstated. Racer Nation has an opportunity to experience a truly historic event at halftime of Saturday night’s game, as we welcome the Morant family back home to Murray and pay tribute to his legacy in the rafters of the CFSB Center.”