How Ja Morant's Father, Tee Morant, Helped Shape His Basketball Journey

How Ja Morant's Father, Tee Morant, Helped Shape His Basketball Journey© @NDTV

Ja Morant's basketball interest started with his father, Tee Morant. They used to spend hours working on his game. Tee helped Ja with his shooting, footwork, and other groundwork skills. His father's support continued as Ja moved through school and college basketball and eventually reached the NBA. Tee has continued to show up for Ja throughout his NBA career, often cheering him on from the courtside seats. From practicing at home to watching him play in the NBA.

Who is Ja Morant's Father, Tee Morant?

Tee Morant grew up in South Carolina and played basketball at Hillcrest High School alongside Ray Allen, a fellow NBA star. They were classmates as well as teammates who won the 1993 state championship when they were seniors. He then went to Claflin University and continued playing basketball. Tee wanted to start his professional career, but when his son Ja was born in August 1999, he chose to redirect his focus to his family and raising his son.

Tee's own experience with basketball gave him an upper hand when it came to teaching the game to his son. He knew about the amount of hard work needed to improve and wanted his son to take basketball seriously even as a young boy.

How Tee Morant Helped Develop Ja Morant's Basketball Skills

Tee played an important part in shaping Ja's basketball skills. He trained his son in their backyard, where Tee himself had installed a basketball court. He would also bring other young players to play and practice with Ja.

One of their favourite training drills was jumping up onto large tractor tires to build Ja's jumping and leg strength. In a 2022 interview, Ja gave credit to the tire drills and other workouts for helping him get off the ground faster.

Tee was also known for pushing his son towards excellence. He would not always praise Ja after a good performance but would rather highlight the areas where there was room to grow.

Tee Morant's Role in Ja Morant's Rise to NBA Stardom

At Murray State University, Ja developed into one of college basketball's leading guards. During his sophomore season in 2018–19, he averaged 24.5 points and 10 assists per game.

When the Memphis Grizzlies picked Ja Morant second overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, it was a proud moment for the Morant family. Ja knew he hadn't reached that stage alone and took this opportunity to thank his father, Tee Morant, for the time, effort, and support he had given him.

For Tee, seeing Ja make it to the NBA was only one part, he also wanted Ja to stay focused and keep improving.