How A ZERO Star Recruit Became An NBA Superstar

From a small town, zero-star recruit to the most electrifying player in the NBA today. This is the story of Ja Morant.
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[@karatechap555]

It must be nice to have a father who is dedicated to your passion as much as Ja's dad.

[@jabeiamd1352]

Yeah 💪🏽🔥

[@jamiepike6909]

Yes, but could also be looked at a dad trying to live his dreams through his child. Worked out in this instance, but so many times it doesn’t.

[@aguy3236]

@@jamiepike6909 it was also Ja's dream

[@jamiepike6909]

@@aguy3236 that’s awesome then👍

[@ape8404]

@@aguy3236 Point is a lot of times kids have their own dreams but their parents force the dreams they failed to achieve themselves onto their kids. Luckily it was a mutual dream in this case

[@youlikedyourowncomment5151]

See what a father can do in a young mans life?

[@Donnie-sg2cj]

Exactly. I know that sometimes circumstances prevent it, but I don’t care how good a single parent is - ideally nothing is better than a stable two parent home. Kids need their mother 𝗮𝗻𝗱 their father. We’ve gotta stop trying to glorify instability

[@bubbachildsupport4535]

@@Donnie-sg2cj well yeah two parents means more money or a child getting more attention.

[@rezhaadriantanuharja3389]

@@bubbachildsupport4535 *two functioning parents. Sometimes two parents just means twice the abuse

[@blackice214]

@@Donnie-sg2cj Yea his dad thought him all he needed to, his physique wasn’t above the norm for an NBA candidate but that grind was to ravenous that’s why he’s avg 32 points post season

[@Donnie-sg2cj]

@@bubbachildsupport4535 True, but it’s about more than just money and attention. It’s also about feminine and masculine energies, and the balance that is needed between the two for a person to develop properly.

[@ronm2970]

Dad gave him the tools to succeed, this young man did the hard work to take it to the next level.

[@henbyrd4516]

Jumpers knee is murder watch how we practice

[@antifr4g]

until he went to the hood

[@jawher7]

I just hope he stays injury free, his style is too explosive very efficient but prone to injuries! all the best Ja!

[@Stolenized]

Yea

[@jaroj1112]

Like a mini young d rose

[@dantoniomcmullen5662]

Facts, I say that same thing. Remember derrick rose 🤦🏾🤦🏾🤦🏾

[@unlikeablesGH]

If dude gets paid of that play style, I think it's a win win even if he gets injured

[@davidmalik9821]

My concern as well but D Rose didn't take care of his body as well as Ja seems to be doing. Both are very talented tho, fearless, and explosive. At least we can enjoy him why we can.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

As a professor at Murray State, I can say that Ja put our university on the map. We are super proud of him.

[@braegon2285]

I go to murray high school I love ja

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

@@braegon2285 we are going to see him Sunday!

[@coreyclosterman3889]

Haha still proud of thug mordant?

[@tonyawilson188]

@@coreyclosterman3889 you spelled his named wrong Idiot it is morant and that is not funny dude

[@tamaaa7745]

@@coreyclosterman3889hahaha he’s accomplished more than you even if he retired now

[@Sillysoft]

Just goes to show how important exposure is to athletes. This guy could be at a different job right now if it wasnt for a scout to go watch him play during his snack break. There is just so many up and coming athletes looking for that chance.

[@joeselsbury543]

Makes you wonder if there are players not in the nba that are better than some superstars....

[@cblackmanrun]

@@joeselsbury543 no question about it. Pro Athletes know it and talk about it often.

[@jaegeru3535]

I want a movie about that scout

[@2jcward]

You know how many street ballers I know could be great if their father was in their life.

[@Sillysoft]

@@jaegeru3535 If you want to watch a real life documentary about kids growing up and how they are recruited, go watch Hoop Dreams. It followed multiple kids from the early 90's and their life growing up and the highs and lows of playing basketball and trying to get a scholarship and get to the next level.

[@juancamargo5774]

Incredible how he was a candidate for mvp almost the entire season just in his third season and putting the grizzlies as second seed

[@wafflewizard1236]

he was never really a candidate

[@Lowetofft]

And he didnt put the grizzlies as second seed

[@mulanomula]

grizzlies proved that they don't need ja morant to be a high seed team. he definitely helps them to be better tho

[@jamiepike6909]

Calm down, all nba maybe. MVP……nah.

[@vladirackpubama6785]

He was not even in the top 5 canidates

[@dresports8351]

His Dad risking it all was all worth it. Ja Morant is the future MVP of the NBA. He is going to win a championship very soon.

[@qrto765]

Ye only if people stop going for his ankle

[@crusher5599]

I just hope he doesn’t pull a drose

[@Zorax123]

Unless he gets a injury that can change his whole career like d rose

[@brandangreen5422]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@thunderfanithunderbestfan5046]

Yea when curry retires

[@nemesiobetaizar5287]

Never forget when Jerry West said that Ja is the most talented on that draft. Unlike Zion who is undisciplined and will most likely quit his team, Ja turn around the grizzlies franchise

[@kayjayedits6488]

You sound 5

[@BigJordan92708]

Lol most likely, bro Zion been quit on New Orleans, if Zion wanted to play for them he would be playing.

[@skmillennialliving]

@@BigJordan92708 I think he needs to be on a strict regiment.

[@agentblock7217]

@@skmillennialliving i bet you weigh more than him

[@mrrodriguezHLP]

@@agentblock7217 Yeah but bro isn't trying to get the Pelicans out of the first round. Oh yeah, neither is Zion, so I guess they do have that in common.

[@johnnyapples8336]

“How an NBA Superstar Became an Hood Gangster” -Nonstop 2024

[@calebc3662]

I’m from Austin Peay, or APSU, and Murray is our rival in pretty much every sport. However, after seeing Morant play against us I knew he was special. The man was absolutely electrifying and the crowd at Murray loved him. Proud that he’s able to lead my team to the playoffs this year!

[@Prozzy747]

Go pea

[@Kqnnin]

I’m from Murray and it feels good having a player from our college go to the nba

[@dodgecitygabriel623]

There’s a couple

[@zion9247]

@@dodgecitygabriel623 yeah the only other recognized name from murry state is Cameron payne.

[@dodgecitygabriel623]

@@zion9247 and he plays for the Sun's who are in the playoffs and we're in the finals last year.

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

Yessir my boy

[@Katt2Hr]

Is murray d2?

[@jaycoolx3]

But just think of how many more guys like him didn't get scouted. It just shows you that if you dig a little deeper at times and look past all the media and flash videos you can find diamond rather than gold.

[@AYSOne23]

Too bad gold is better than diamonds. Worth more. Resale value is more than diamonds. C'mon. 😂😂

[@jaycoolx3]

@@AYSOne23 it was more of a Minecraft thing, but whatever since you really think you saying something. 🤷🏿‍♂️🤣

[@AYSOne23]

@@jaycoolx3 you the one that really thought you were saying something. Minecraft? ..... Wtf.

[@themoes4103]

@@AYSOne23 bro stop talking no cares what you think, you really out here nitpicking on a KZbin comment. C'mon 😂😂

[@AYSOne23]

@@themoes4103 you too. Tf? Lol

[@mikeeguti2165]

I love underdogs. Hard work pays someday when you least expect. Ja and his Dad deserve all the praise. Best player of the series coming..

[@off2249]

Best shooter in the league by far😮‍💨

[@alexfang6784]

HARD WORK + PARENTAL GUIDANCE + TALENT = SUCCESS

[@celenial6009]

yeah mostly talent then parental guidance then hardwork

[@jackieclark8253]

@@celenial6009 ...The correct order is parental guidance, talent, then hard work. The parental guidance came long before the talent was discovered.

[@celenial6009]

@@jackieclark8253 well you see, if there is no talent then there would have been no success no matter the parental guidance. Whatever comes first doesn't matter

[@jackieclark8253]

@@celenial6009 ...I’m just saying that’s how it happened in his life ,not the overall rule . He got guidance first.

[@johnbaptisttnguyen1089]

Totally right! Parental guidance is the most important factor when they know about the kids' passion. I praise Ja's dad and I like the way Ja playing basketball. He'll become M. J. in future.

[@Choppy2k]

From a 0 star recruit to becoming one of the best shooters 🔫 in nba history. Man Ja is on demon time

[@Switch_Hitta_Beats]

When I told my friend before the draft that I’d take Ja over Zion he laughed. I still stand by my comment.

[@Nightcrawler90210]

Zion still has a much higher ceiling and is still a far better player when healthy and it’s not even close or up for debate

[@esamchen7387]

@@Nightcrawler90210 key is when he is healthy, for the past 3 season he is out for almost 2 out 3 seasons

[@esamchen7387]

i stand by that too, definitely Ja over Zion

[@michaelfarrow5817]

@@Nightcrawler90210 Good players are only good players when they're on the court. Injury record is a factor in signing a player.

[@carboy101]

Same. Zion isn't as good as him.

[@cardphins68]

This is a great video and thank you for posting. I think Mr. Morant (Ja's Dad) is also a great story the way he sacrificed for and helped his Son. He also did a great job of teaching Ja work ethic and humility. I will admit I had some doubt but I now admit I was 100% wrong. Not only does Ja Morant deserve everything he has he deserves everything he will get because he's worked his tail off and nobody can ever deny that. Memphis looks like they have a really nice thing going with Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, J. Jackson, etc. Good for that franchise and those loyal fans!

[@anonymous-rn9nm]

did he teach him not to flash his guns?

[@cardphins68]

If he did it's pretty clear he forgot about that as well as where he came from. Been a bumpy couple of years but he could still turn it around. I guess Mr. Morant Sr. should also include a lecture about "the company one keeps", lol. @@anonymous-rn9nm

[@theshotreview220]

Ja Moronant bout to mess up his dad’s sacrifice if he doesn’t stop trying to be a YSL gang member

[@___________broom4]

ong😭😭😭

[@lorenzodemedici6332]

This just show's what a great father can do for a kid.

[@deeday763]

I read and article about him when he was bein recruited by his college( I forgot which). It talked about how the whole neighborhood would come to his parents house to lay ball, eat, advice, to stay out of trouble, etc. that right there told me he was bein raised by good people, and he was bein taught well. Kudos to the Morant’s

[@carlyslebrown1601]

This sounds like it was recorded some time before the regular season ended. However, the point *does* still stand... the Grizzlies got the #2 seed in the West, facing the Timberwolves in the First Round. The Grizzlies haven't made it to the finals at all, and not the Western Finals since the Grit and Grind era. Here's to hoping for the best.

[@trisk902]

and they just blew out the wolves

[@SANJONERO420]

@@trisk902 after losing game 1 at home 😂

[@walkerdevin08]

@@SANJONERO420 they just came back from 25+ points down, TWICE, and won game 3.

[@jamesrudolph7965]

@@walkerdevin08 now they up 3-2 💯

[@bonzobonanza]

The future of the NBA is in good hands.

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

Yup

[@farcry5107]

@@AVERAGERWEFAN Especially with you in the league

[@kkw69yearsago84]

Juu

[@kkw69yearsago84]

Jjuu

[@kkw69yearsago84]

Uuj

[@warrenmoore3150]

He’s put in the work and is now seen as an NBA super star with a great attitude with the media and fans.Morant seems to be jumping off of pogo sticks! I like seeing him dunk on and over bigger players.Some of his dunks are unbelievable and spectacular.That’s what fans want to see. Hope he stays healthy and has a great career.

[@gibsonguy5240]

Ja Morant so much fun to watch. Such an amazing athlete. The greatest part of this story is Ja's father in his life. To all men with children. Find a way to be involved in your child's life. PS I'm still routing for Golden State LOL. May the best team win.

[@adecentyoutuber7407]

Shout out to his pops! Amazing lessons from his story and sports in general. Keep grinding and you never know whose looking. I love these stories of guys who are overlooked or not heavily recruited then go out and dominate. These stories give me inspiration and energy.

[@lebavu8260]

Man what an awesome dad watching this. Respect. 👊

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

Yeah he is a great dad my hero I love that dude

[@Guide1089]

God bless your whole family, Ja! Your father is a real man. I don't know anything about you but watching this made me appreciate your skills, but more important is the love of your father for his wife and future of his soon to be son. He is more man than many of the men playing today in NBA. I stopped caring about bball years ago. I'm gonna be checking on you now. Great video, great to see this incredible story, great player!

[@JayJaylol]

that rise and fall video for Ja Morant finna come soon💀

[@Wood490]

Whether it's medicine, business, engineering, law, education, science, technology or sports field far too often chidden are forced to learn everything on their own, which includes making all the mistakes. With his father's guidance this cat was able to avoid many of the pitfalls that derail a lot kids today

[@8ballstreet]

Your comment didn't age well

[@MasterPlo]

I love Ja he has such a wholesome story of how his dad gave up everything to make him the man he is today, and he's so inspirational too showing how he went from unknown to All Star in less than 10 years

[@pascalmorawiec7343]

He is now the new NBA superstar while the first pick lingers in oblivion. A great story and a testament to a incredible father and son dedication and love.

[@HOURLYSNIPES]

Doritos saved his life literally.🥂💯

[@lisaaustin8150]

This young man is so special! His athletic ability is JUST. OFF. THE. CHARTS🔥

[@anthonybartek2425]

Becoming my favorite player all around. Kids a beast and looks so comfortable in the playoffs.

[@TraGiiXzaze]

Was lucky to see Ja at Murray State. Met Ja's dad without knowing who he was, and I eventually found out. His dad came off as a great guy from my half hour conversation with him. Really happy to see him succeed

[@mikoesplana2976]

Zero-Star Recruit ---> NBA Superstar ---> Zero-Star Gangster Wannabe Man took the first u-turn slot available 💀

[@user-pt8yx4fr3v]

What an amazing story, from what I’ve learned in life is no matter how good you do there will still be haters trying to bring you down. All you can do is do what you do and ignore them

[@AntonioRuffin]

This was an incredible watch for a Ja Morant fan my wife and I love his electrifying style play style!!

[@brenda-wn9wx]

do How an Nba superstar became a criminal next 😭

[@xentraction]

now make a sequel.. How an NBA Superstar turned into a ZERO STAR RECRUIT

[@cavinmoore6086]

Best Ja Morant breakdown video EVER!! Great job bro 💯🏁

[@tmaziriri]

One of the most exciting players to watch, the explosiveness is unreal.

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

Thanks g

[@aaronguya233]

I'm just speechless on how amazing this story is! Keep up the good work

[@stevesjob6808]

This piece did Ja justice. Well done sir.

[@apoorvsingh3395]

He and Steven Adams are one of the best duos

[@henrybrown1268]

There will always be a diamond in the rough and Ja Morant is a very special diamond!

[@user-nd3ug6zo6m]

Best shooter in the NBA

[@Jumpman.]

☠️

[@Bryce_y]

fr 💀

[@bananabandit2]

Literally lmao

[@Dviil]

then to "how an nba superstar became a prisoner"

[@Tyyeguyisoncrack]

4:19 his face has me dying right now😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Jason-cf1xn]

I’ll admit, I was originally one of the doubters. But this dude has proven that he has a great work ethic and is undeniably a dominant force in the NBA. Being on the west, and in a small market, it will be difficult to win a championship. But I think if there’s a guy that can lead a team to a ring, he is the one.

[@jeffreylaz2073]

Ja Morant was the Allen Iverson with Mamba Mentality

[@anthonytaylor7928]

He's ja Morant with the Ja mentality could y'all stop with all the dumb comparisons this dude works hard to carve his own niche

[@DaLibraTay]

He got that IT factor like a Kobe and A.I he is a beast

[@proskillz8693]

He is easily a mvp contender with his incredible stats getting put up. I really hope he earns at least a ring!

[@jadengreen7841]

Next video -“How an nba superstar made it to the hood” A Ja Morant Documentary

[@jacoblavoie8326]

The recruiter was spot on.

[@juanvega5152]

Love stories like this!!!!! Well deserved! And he is a fucking beast!!!

[@floridagator1765]

His story needs to be a movie...unbelievable!

[@towlifechannel3679]

I'm not even a Grizzlies fan and I love watching Ja Morant 🔥🔥

[@chrischinT]

Bro is now 5 stars but GTA five stars

[@SixTenVisuals]

Ja probably has 6-7 years top to go hard in the paint like that before his body starts coming apart like D-Wade, D-Rose, A.I., etc.

[@renato.bakaadv]

Soo good.. amazing player

[@rajeealidao5296]

I agree watching ja morant this playoff is electrifying

[@gulitzt5865]

zero to super star to criminal :D

[@XxLordDavido]

Welp tables turned now he JA WICK

[@sabzletebz3121]

Ja is a force to be reckoned with. This kid maaad talented

[@PaireyHussy]

This kid is something else, young and dominant. If the Grizzlies can build around this young man they'll def wreak havoc in the West for years. Phenomenal talent💯

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

What can I say

[@anonymous-rn9nm]

than can this year with a good pick

[@AnotherIQ]

I love how good Ja has been. But what makes me fear the Grizzlies is Desmond Bane, all he needs is for the Grizzlies to give him proper minutes and then were looking at a top 3 greatest 3pt shooter. And a player that could become better than Ja.

[@Supastackman]

Never that Ja is special.

[@royyalty1264]

Bane clutch but he’s not a leader

[@AnotherIQ]

@@royyalty1264 I never said he would lead the team, that's the PG role in this case Ja(s). But Bane definitely could become better than Ja.

[@1pikapein]

Pretty sure it's hard work and extreme determination. Plus chips on shoulders can motivate or de-motivate Ja is steppin up!

[@abrahamramirez7239]

Ja morant is an incredible talent! Reminds me of Kawhi Leonard w the spurs except he won a ring in his 3rd season 😩

[@mjcs6399]

As a pro basketball fan, I find him as amazing and entertaining to watch as the NBA has to offer. I wish him ALL success (except against my guys)!

[@jaylanphillips7045]

Ja averaged 27.5 this season

[@dukemypants2589]

89-148 damn, impressive

[@beltonguy86]

This dude travels all thru the NBA

[@drpkiddvj7840]

Fav nba player since he join the league ong💯

[@k4vinski]

What a great dad gave up his dream just to be there for his son

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

Dad helped me come up he the best

[@flyermorecreativeminds4594]

Same as lavar?

[@mromneyobama]

Don't talk to the mother during those times who had to work for 15 years supporting the 3.

[@nathanielsbarbershop6523]

and back to the hood he goes

[@antoniorivera905]

Very lucky to have a father like his.

[@bahboy2702]

Really hope his career keeps going up and not side tracked by injuries

[@jp29allday]

Great story. Ja reminds me of Steve Francis. Very similar style of play and similar path to the 2nd pick and NBA stardom.

[@najecarmona3496]

The Next D-Rose🌹

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

Except not the injuries and a chip

[@spiriteguide1117]

One of my favorite players 🙌🏽🐐🙏🏽

[@marvinho5148]

im rooting for this guy, special.

[@badongjunior1261]

Only 1 thing in common about these all star players, work ethic. Makes me think that scouts should be trying to find out a player's daily routine if they want to predict his potential

[@CYMotorsport]

He grew 6 inches from 5'9 to 6'3. that's how

[@winregardless85]

Definitely my favorite NBA player today.

[@d.j.daugherty4945]

Amazing. He’s a stud forsure

[@engodsibbe]

As a Timberwolves and Anthony Edwards fan I obviously want us to beat the Grizzlies, we will probably lose tho and after my team I really want the grizzlies to go all the way, Ja deserves everything ever!

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

I’m not letting y’all win I’m trying 110 percent but good luck to you man and thank you

[@hwa7008]

Bros gonna make it out the NBA now and into the hood draft 2025

[@anonymous-rn9nm]

top streetballer and best drug lord for the 2024-25 hood season

[@deepdunk1355]

Nonstop finally made the video! 🔥🔥🔥

[@pvaxter1978]

A good father help his kids get to the mountain top and continue to push them to get better. Sometimes having your parents support means the world to your kids, not materialistic things. "JUST SUPPORT"

[@rollotomasse]

Boy had those muctache when he was twelve 😂😂

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

Don’t laugh that mustache got me to the nba

[@santrollencio3601]

Grizzlies are playing so well it feels like they could win the championship, they finished the season with 56 wins, a team that can win 55+ games in the regular season should be considered a contender, but even if Memphis doesn’t make it this season, if they do good moves this offseason Memphis could build a dynasty that can last years.

[@localneo-graphic4647]

What moves? It's all young talent, I really can't think of many holes in that roster. They are one of few teams that can run a traditional frontcourt AND smallball at an elite level.

[@pennstation5638]

2:16 🤣🤣 " He heard balls bouncing and out of curiosity decided to take a peek" 😭

[@josephsmith2944]

This young man the truth

[@hoseahosanna6700]

As a Grizzlies fan I was soo happy when they drafted him

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

As you should be bro good luck to you

[@jordanthejellyfishcash4246]

@@AVERAGERWEFAN ja get off KZbin u got a playoff series to win

[@AVERAGERWEFAN]

@@jordanthejellyfishcash4246 you right

[@Fanaro]

You need to be completely blinded by social forces to think that he was a 0 star recruit.

[@highstakeslowstakes1878]

Mans was a 6 star recruit on his own right😂

[@jackieclark8253]

That was only because he didn't play in the AAU circuit as much. That's where the star ratings are usually given. It just sounds good to say it though.

[@DELLG]

Tee Morant was my favorite player on Hillcrest Wildcats. He was silly and brought fun to the game. Always thought I'll see Tee in NBA with Ray Allen. Smart move for Tee to get the baby Ja on the market early. Salute... TEE TELL JA TO WEAR THAT TIE ON THE HEAD WITH THE LOLLIPOP LOL. I ended playing ball behind him. Some things don't pan out in Sumter, SC.

[@JakeVS2011]

big fan of JA, I LOVE SEE N HIM PLAY,