Ja Morant has exploded in the NBA this season, leading his Memphis Grizzlies to nearly the top of the Western Conference and looking like a lock for the All-NBA first team. This is just Ja’s third season in the NBA though, and despite looking like he’s been in the league for ages, it wasn’t too long ago that he was balling out for the Murray State Racers.
March Madness is currently on, with college teams from across the country vying to be the ones to win the NCAA National Championship. And Morant’s Murray State was right in the thick of it, having achieved the best record in the Ohio Valley Conference, going 31-3 to stand right at the top. However, they fell short of making it to the Sweet Sixteen, losing 60-70 to the Saint Peter’s Peacocks.
Morant was quick to congratulate his old team on their performances this season and in an act that says a lot about his encouraging personality, had some kind words for Saint Peter’s as well. It would have been understandable if Morant wasn’t too keen on showing love to the team that beat his alma mater, but that’s not Ja’s style.
helluva season fellas 🐎 nothing to hold y'all heads down for.. Undefeated in conference.. won a chip. 💍 #RacerNation is always with y'all & behind y'all. 💯
St Peters. Big Time Win. & Congrats 💪🏽 It doesn't stop now, keep going ..
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) March 20, 2022
“helluva season fellas nothing to hold y’all heads down for… Undefeated in conference.. won a chip. #RacerNation is always with y’all & behind y’all. St Peters. Big Time Win. & Congrats It doesn’t stop now, keep going…”
The tournament has a single-game elimination format, so upsets are a part of the process and a large factor in what makes this time so exciting for fans of basketball. Making a deep run often involves several factors beyond just which team is the best, so while teams will be disappointed when they go out, the players need to remember that it’s just the start of their journey. And having a role model like the young Morant can only be a good thing for Murray State’s youngsters.
