Ja Morant, now a household name in the NBA, had one of the most unconventional paths to basketball stardom. Unlike many top players who come from elite high school programs and get recruited early by powerhouse colleges, Morant’s journey was anything but typical. What makes his rise even more remarkable is how he stunned the basketball world by turning down several offers from top-tier college programs, choosing instead a smaller school that believed in his talent before the rest of the world caught on.
Coming out of Crestwood High School in South Carolina, Morant was largely overlooked. He wasn’t ranked by ESPN or other major scouting services, and he didn’t receive the same spotlight as many of his peers. Despite putting up impressive stats, Morant flew under the radar, lacking the exposure that typically lands players in major Division I programs. That changed during a summer AAU camp, where he was discovered by Murray State assistant coach James Kane. Kane stumbled upon Morant while looking for a snack—literally. When he heard the sounds of a game being played in a secondary gym, he decided to take a look, and what he saw was a future NBA star in the making.
Murray State extended an offer quickly, and more began to trickle in after Morant’s performances gained traction. Programs like South Carolina and others from larger conferences eventually tried to jump into the mix. But by then, Morant had made up his mind. He chose to stay loyal to Murray State, the first school that showed faith in him. This decision surprised many in the basketball community, especially considering the prestige and resources that come with larger programs.
Morant’s choice turned out to be a masterstroke. At Murray State, he was given the freedom to develop his game, lead a team, and showcase his unique blend of explosiveness, vision, and skill. During his sophomore year, he averaged 24.5 points and 10 assists per game, becoming the first player in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists in a season. His performances lit up highlight reels, and he became a top NBA draft prospect, eventually being selected second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019 NBA Draft.
By rejecting high-profile programs, Ja Morant not only stunned the basketball world—he rewrote the narrative on what it means to reach
the top.
