The Indiana Pacers are adding some seasoned firepower to their backcourt by signing Monte Morris to a one-year deal. At 30, Morris brings nearly a decade of NBA experience and a steady presence, joining a Pacers team looking for depth and stability. Last season with the Phoenix Suns, he played 45 games, putting up 5.2 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per outing, showing he can contribute even in a supporting role.

Monte’s journey to this point hasn’t been solo—his parents have been right there through every up and down, cheering him on from the sidelines. Let’s find out about the hands that gently patted his back when the lights dimmed and the world felt heavy.

Who are Monte Morris’ parents?

Monte Morris grew up under the care of his mother, Latonia Morris, who raised him as a single mom in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There’s no information available about his father. She worked hard as a regional manager for low-income apartment complexes in Flint, ensuring Monte had the support he needed to grow.

Despite raising him on her own, she gave him a weekly allowance, which Monte often used to look out for others—buying socks for his teammates and even donating three pairs of his own basketball shoes. It’s clear from these moments that Monte’s generosity and care for others were nurtured at home, shaped by the example of his mother every step of the way.

What ethnicity are Monte Morris’ parents?

Monte Morris may call Grand Rapids, Michigan, home, making him American by nationality, but his roots stretch across the Atlantic. His mother, Latonia Morris, is American with Nigerian descent, and Monte has always carried a deep respect and connection to that heritage throughout his life. In 2021, Monte committed to play for Nigeria’s national basketball team as a naturalized player as well.

Mother’s impact on Monte Morris’ career

From the very start, Monte Morris’s love for basketball was shaped in the heart of his home by his mother, an accomplished player herself who scored over 1,000 points as a high school point guard. Under her guidance, Monte learned the game before he ever set foot on a real court. Picture a little boy, a tiny hoop in his bedroom, taking imaginary shots for a national championship, pausing at halftime to grab Kool-Aid in the kitchen, which doubled as his locker room. “He would always play basketball in the bedroom on a little rim, and I mean really play,” Latonia recalls. “He would play for the national championship.” Those playful moments were more than games—they were the early building blocks of his dedication and love for basketball.

As Monte grew, Latonia’s mentorship never stopped. “I mean, it was ridiculous… this little boy could play,” she said. Through middle school and into high school in Flint, Michigan, she balanced being both coach and mom, giving him honest feedback after every game. Monte describes it perfectly: “She gives it to me straight. She never gave me what I wanted to hear; she always gave me what I needed to hear…. I learned from that, and now I’m here today.”

Monte Morris’ relationship with his mom

Monte Morris’s relationship with his mother, Latonia Morris, has always been the heartbeat of his life and career. “He’s my only child,” Latonia says. “It’s just been me and him. It’s been me and Monté for so long. He’s my rock. When I need to talk, I’ll call him. When he needs to talk, he’ll call me. We understand each other. He is a son, … but he’s a friend.” From his earliest days, she wasn’t just a parent; she was his guide, mentor, and cheerleader.

Sophomore year, Monte faced one of the biggest games of his high school career against Flint Northwestern, even while battling a stomach virus. He struggled on the court, fouled out, and his team lost. The car ride home was silent—until Latonia let him have it. Monte laughs, recalling the moment: “She let me have it.” But as the clock turned midnight, it was already behind them: “After the night, when it hits 12 o’clock, we cancel out that game and move on to the next one… We don’t talk about it anymore.” Her tough love and straightforward guidance fueled his growth on and off the court, teaching him to push through failure while keeping perspective.

Freshman year, Monte won a state championship; junior year, he delivered another and dedicated it to his mom, and by senior year, he was named Mr. Basketball for Michigan. When he signed his letter of intent to play at Iowa State on his birthday, he reflected on the moment with gratitude: “That’s the day she gave birth to me… the timing of everything was just crazy. I won’t ever forget that day.” Latonia, clearly emotional, shared her feelings too: “It was his special day, but he wanted to share his special day with me, so that made me emotional. He knows how to get me crying.”

Even now, in the NBA, their bond hasn’t changed. Monte shared a playful tidbit about his mom’s coaching side: “My mom’s a coach. She’s always texting me to help Nikola. She loves calling him Big Honey.” From bedroom hoops to state championships to mentoring NBA stars, the story of Monte and Latonia Morris is one of unwavering love, mutual respect, and a friendship that anchors him through every stage of life.