HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers drives the ball against Theo John #4 and Brendan Bailey #1 of the Marquette Golden Eagles during the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)On Thursday night, the 2019 NBA draft kicked off from Brooklyn as the best collegiate players in the country realized their dreams of being drafted into the NBA.
It all started with former Duke star Zion Williamson. The New Orleans Pelicans selected Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick, followed shortly thereafter by his former teammate.
Williamson and former Murray State point guard Ja Morant played on the same AAU team. Tonight, they went No. 1 and No. 2 in the draft.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Morant with the No. 2 overall pick. After Morant was drafted, he was interviewed with his father – whom he said was his toughest critic growing up.
Everyone watching from home had the same reaction when Morant’s father was on camera: he looks like he could play in the league right now.
Check out that hat as well.
Can we please put Ja morant’s dad on the grizzlies summer league team pic.twitter.com/atEbWjBukV
— Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak) June 20, 2019
Morant led the country in assists during the 2018-19 season. He finished the season averaging a double-double – in points and assists.
Now he’ll lead the Memphis Grizzlies, who traded star point guard Mike Conley away just days before the draft.
Duke star R.J. Barrett and Virginia star De’Andre Hunter followed Morant as the No. 3 and No. 4 picks.
Stay tuned for more from the NBA draft.
