Michigan Wolverines point guard Darius Morris is a hot prospect in this year’s NBA Draft. Part of that is due to his breakout sophomore season. Part of it is because he’s getting mentored by some of the best and biggest names in the game. Like Washington Wizards point guard John Wall, the #1 pick in last year’s draft.
“He checks in with me every once in awhile, sending me a text message here and there to see how things are going,” Morris said.
“Things were a little different for him obviously going through this process, because he was a first round pick. He didn’t have to work out too much, but he knows to just keep working hard every day to take advantage of any opportunity that you get,” he continued.
By Paul M. Banks
Morris also got advice from former Wolverines star and current Cleveland Cavaliers wing Manny Harris, who spoke with Morris after the outgoing sophomore made his decision.
“When I called him and informed him of my decision, we went through all the pros and cons,” Morris said.
“And if you do come back to college you could be a top ten team, but if you leave, things could also not go right, and he’s really just an honest guy without an honest opinion.”
Rare to find someone who doesn’t have an agenda when it comes to this process. For Morris and his family, it’s not about the NBA money- as his family isn’t hurting for cash. It’s about realizing a dream, not just for himself. But for Coach John Beilein. Morris entering the NBA would be a special milestone for the UM and former West Virginia coach.
“He got a little emotional because he’s been coaching 30+ years and he’s never recruited somebody who actually got drafted. So for me to become that means a lot to me. This could be his first one, and hopefully I can be somewhere where I can see the look on his face and make him proud,” Morris said.
“I think this would be the first of many, especially at the University of Michigan,” he continued.
Morris has had individual workouts with the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Currently we have him projected to the Detroit Pistons (staying home obviously) with the 33rd overall pick, third pick in the second round.
For a full scouting report on Morris go here and here for another feature on Morris
Go here for a debate on whether or not Brandon Knight is worth the 3rd pick.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
He does a regular guest spot each week for Chicagoland Sports Radio.com You can follow him on Twitter @thesportsbank and Facebook