“Cream Always Rises to the Top”: Ja Morant Candidly Reflects on His NBA Journey Compared to Stephen Curry
Follow Us
Ja Morant has put the entire NBA world on notice through his elite hooping talents. His meteoric ascent to prominence has seen the explosive point guard establish himself as one of the league’s best players. The Memphis Grizzlies star recently opened up about his journey to the NBA, and it’s fair to say, he’s been defying odds since the very outset.
Last season, Morant took a major leap as he averaged 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. In addition to that, he even drove his squad to the Western Conference Semifinals, only to lose to the eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors. Nonetheless, the former Murray State standout made a statement last season, putting his difficult journey to the league into perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ja Morant has been defining poetry in motion since his rookie year. With an array of electrifying dunks and ankle-breaking dribble moves, #12 has amassed a massive fan base. However, it took countless reps for him to hone his craft and cement himself as a highly recruited prospect in college.
His freshman year at Murray State showed flashes of brilliance. However, it wasn’t enough to capture the interest of the scouts. It was his breakout sophomore year when attention for Morant started to mount. In his sophomore season at Murray State, he posted 24.5 points, 10 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. In fact, he became the first player in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists throughout the course of a season.
#3 – In his first big challenge of his sophomore season, Ja Morant torched the Alabama Crimson Tide for 38 points.
He also threw down this dunk at the end of the game that jump started his status a MUST SEE TV. pic.twitter.com/TTApOXE1tu
— Adam Wells (@TheAdamBWells) June 20, 2019
His thunderous dunks as well as NBA-ready offensive skill set evolved him into a viral star. The legend of Ja Morant spread like wildfire and eventually, he was selected as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.
Morant’s road to the NBA has been nothing short of spectacular, and he recently got candid about his entire journey.
Ja Morant gets real about his NBA journey
Ja Morant recently made an appearance on The Pivot Podcast and decided to shed some light on his journey to stardom. The interviewer contrasted his journey to the league to that of Stephen Curry.
Stephen Curry’s Coach Revealed His First Impression of the Warriors Star in College
He suggested that Morant, like the Warriors‘ superstar, was not recruited as highly as his talent or career currently suggests he should have been. The interviewer then asked him how he felt about his peers receiving all of the offers. He also asked him how he managed to stay on course.
Trending
Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series
April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT
Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract
April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?
April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
Dwyane Wade’s Competitive Daughter Wouldn’t Let Mom, Gabrielle Union, End the Day Peacefully
April 19, 2024 04:38 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I can say it was hard”, Morant said right off the bat. “It was definitely frustrating. Definitely you know…make you get down on yourself when you know I’m playing against these guys and killing them and then I’m watching them get all these big-time offers and still no offers for me.”
Morant then went on to talk about how he stayed on track, giving all the credit to his parents.
“As far as staying level, I can give credit to my parents,” the point guard said. “They always tell me you know don’t worry about it…basically cream always rises to the top. I felt like it was easy for them to say, it was easy for me to listen, but as far as actually doing it, it was pretty tough and you know…I did it man.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He then went on to praise his father, saying how he always told him that “once you get your foot in the door, kick it down.” Basically, his father urged him to make the most out of every emerging opportunity, which he did.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: How has Stephen Curry Progressed On NBA 2K over the years? 2k23 Rating & More
Ja Morant took a major leap last season and he is only going to get better. What is your favorite moment from Ja Morant’s young career? Let us know in the comments section below.