Ja Morant

Ja Morant – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life and rise of NBA star Ja Morant — from under-recruited high schooler to Memphis Grizzlies phenom. Get insights on his background, playing style, challenges, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Temetrius Jamel “Ja” Morant (born August 10, 1999) is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA.

In this article, we cover his early years, breakout college success, NBA journey, strengths and challenges, notable quotes, and lessons we can draw from his ascent.

Early Life and Background

Ja Morant was born in Dalzell, South Carolina on August 10, 1999 to parents Tee Morant and Jamie Morant.

Growing up, Ja trained with his father, who pushed him to improve by making workouts difficult (e.g. practicing jump shots off tractor tires). “I’m not worried about the big kids.”

He attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina, where he emerged as a high scorer. He finished his high school career as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,679 points and had standout games, including a 47-point performance. 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, and earned South Carolina Class 3A All-State honors.

Despite his high school success, Morant was unranked by recruiting services and received few major Division I offers. Murray State University, a mid-major (non–power conference) school, after assistant coach James Kane discovered him playing in a camp gym by chance.

His recruitment story underscores how even highly talented athletes can be overlooked due to lack of exposure or traditional metrics.

College Career: Breakout at Murray State

Freshman Season

Morant joined Murray State in 2017. 11 assists. 12.7 pts, 6.3 ast, 6.5 reb and earned first-team All-OVC honors and OVC All-Newcomer Team.

Sophomore Season

In his second year (2018–19), Morant emerged as a national breakout star. 26 points and 11 assists, and produced multiple triple-doubles. 20+ points and 10+ assists in a season. OVC Player of the Year, named a consensus All-American, and led NCAA in assists.

His performances made him a top prospect for the NBA draft.

NBA Career & Highlights

Draft & Rookie Season (2019–20)

Morant was selected 2nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019 NBA Draft. NBA Rookie of the Year for 2020.

Ascent and Awards

• In the 2021–22 season, Morant made his first NBA All-Star game as a starter.

• He also won the NBA Most Improved Player award and was named to his first All-NBA Team.

• He set Grizzlies franchise records, including 52 points in a game (22-of-30 shooting) in 2023.

• In a playoff game in 2022, he posted a triple-double (16 pts, 10 ast, 10 reb) — the first playoff triple-double in Grizzlies franchise history.

Challenges & Controversies

Morant’s path hasn’t been without setbacks:

• In March 2023, he was suspended 25 games by the NBA after an Instagram Live video showed him brandishing a gun.

• He has also been involved in other public incidents (e.g. being sued for punching a teen in 2022, and flashing a gun in a club).

• Upon returning in December 2023, he played only 9 games before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury (right shoulder surgery).

• During the 2024–25 season, he has had further injuries (e.g. hip contusion) and controversy: in April 2025, he was fined $75,000 for making a finger-gun gesture in a game after league warnings.

As of April 2025, Morant was ruled out for a playoff game due to a left hip injury.

Personality, Style & Strengths

Explosiveness & Athleticism
Morant is renowned for his vertical leap, acrobatic finishes, and fearless drives to the basket. His athleticism allows him to perform in tight spaces and defy gravity.

Court Vision & Playmaking
He has excellent passing skills and court awareness, often threading passes in traffic, initiating fast breaks, and orchestrating offense.

Competitiveness & Mentality
Morant brings an aggressive competitive fire. He is not afraid to take over games or make risky plays. His mentality is often described as “go get it” and inspired by his underdog journey.

Vulnerability & Growth Potential
His youth means he still has room to refine decision-making, shot selection, and consistency. Injuries and off-court issues have tested his maturity, but he has also shown capacity for accountability and growth.

Famous Quotes by Ja Morant

Here are a few notable statements reflecting Morant’s mindset and approach:

“I’m not worried about the big kids.” — from his youth, showing his fearlessness early on.

“They forgot about me, so I had to make ’em remember.” — reflecting on being overlooked and proving himself. (Paraphrased from interviews)

“I just want to win. I’ll do whatever it takes.” — expressing his competitive and team-driven drive.

“When it’s time for me to shine, I’ll shine.” — a mindset of faith in his own development.

“I don’t want to be the next somebody; I want to be the first me.” — emphasizing his desire to forge his own identity.

These quotes illustrate Morant’s confidence, humility, hunger, and sense of purpose.

Lessons from Ja Morant’s Journey

1. Don’t let lack of recognition define your limits
   Despite being under-recruited, Morant made the most of his opportunity at a mid-major school and used performance to propel himself.

2. Maximize your situation
   He took every chance—workouts, camps, mid-major exposure—to shine; you don’t need to start at the top to reach it.

3. Balance audacity with responsibility
   His career shows the height agile talent can reach—but also the pitfalls when decisions off the court or injuries interfere.

4. Resilience in adversity
   Suspensions, injuries, criticism—he’s faced all. His ability to bounce back is part of what defines his narrative.

5. Craft your own path
   Morant’s desire to be “the first me” suggests the importance of authenticity rather than imitation.

Conclusion

Ja Morant’s trajectory—from a small-town youth to a franchise centerpiece—is a powerful testament to talent, determination, and risk. His style and heart make him one of the NBA’s most compelling young stars. While challenges lie ahead, his combination of athleticism, playmaking, and belief suggests he has many chapters yet to write.