John Morant exploded onto the college basketball scene during his time at Murray State University, leaving an indelible mark on the program and the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). His exceptional talent and electrifying performances during the 2018-19 and 2017-18 seasons cemented his status as one of the most exciting players in the nation and a top NBA prospect. This article delves into Morant’s remarkable college career, highlighting his key achievements, statistics, and the accolades he garnered.
Dominant 2018-19 Season: A Year of Accolades and Records
The 2018-19 season was nothing short of historic for John Morant. He produced one of the most statistically impressive single seasons in the history of Murray State and the OVC, earning widespread national recognition and numerous All-America honors. Morant secured eight All-America distinctions, including first-team nods from prestigious organizations like the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, and the USBWA. He was also recognized with second-team honors from NBC Sports, Sporting News, Stadium, and USA TODAY Sports, showcasing the breadth of his acclaim.
Morant’s stellar season saw him named as a finalist for the prestigious Oscar Robertson Trophy and Naismith Trophy, awards given to the national player of the year, and a finalist for the Wooden Award. Further highlighting his position as the nation’s top point guard, he was also a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award. Capping off his conference dominance, John Morant was named OVC Player of the Year, continuing a Racer tradition after Jonathan Stark’s win in 2018. This marked a historic moment as the first time Murray State had back-to-back Player of the Year winners with different players, with Morant becoming the 15th Racer to achieve this honor, accumulating a total of 20 awards for the program.
Statistically, Morant’s 2018-19 season was record-breaking. His 331 assists ranked sixth-most in NCAA single-season history. He averaged an astounding 24.5 points and 10.0 assists per game, becoming the first player since the NCAA officially recognized assists in 1983-84 to average 20 points and 10 assists in a season. His assist average was a significant 2.3 assists per game higher than the second-ranked player nationally. Nationally, he ranked eighth in scoring (24.5 points/game), ninth in double-doubles (20), and 82nd in steals (1.76/game), demonstrating his all-around impact.
Morant also showcased his versatility by recording three triple-doubles, leading the nation and including only the ninth triple-double in NCAA Tournament history. He stood out with 15 games of 20+ points and 10+ assists, a feat unmatched by any other player nationally. Against UT Martin, he dished out 18 assists, the most by a Division I player that year and the second-most in OVC single-game history. His 20 double-doubles were just four shy of the national lead, and remarkably, he was the only player under 6’6″ in the top 25 nationally for double-doubles.
In a game against SIUE in January, Morant etched his name further into the record books, becoming the first Division I player in 20 years to record 40 points, 11 assists, and five steals in a regulation game. In that same game, he made all 21 of his free throw attempts, setting a new OVC single-game record and coming within three of the NCAA mark. He was the first Division I player in two decades to achieve 21 or more made free throws in a game without a miss.
John Morant’s dominance extended into the OVC Tournament, where he was named MVP after averaging 32.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, while shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 79.2 percent from the free-throw line. In the semifinal win against Jacksonville State, he scored 29 points, including a crucial three-point play in the final seconds. He followed this up with 36 points in the title game win over Belmont. In Murray State’s First Round NCAA Tournament victory over Marquette, Morant achieved a historic triple-double with 17 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds. This was only the ninth triple-double in NCAA Tournament history and his 16 assists tied a First Round NCAA record and were the second-most ever in an NCAA Tournament game.
Promising 2017-18 Freshman Season: Setting the Stage
Prior to his record-breaking sophomore campaign, John Morant had already showcased his potential in his freshman season (2017-18). He was named to both the All-OVC First Team and All-OVC Newcomer Team, demonstrating his immediate impact in the conference. Starting all 32 games for the Racers, Morant recorded Murray State’s second triple-double in program history (dating back to 1984) with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists against EIU.
He displayed his rebounding ability with four games of 12+ rebounds. Nationally, he ranked 40th in assist/turnover ratio (2.62) and 14th in assists per game (6.2), which was second among all freshmen nationally. His 201 assists ranked 16th nationally and marked only the third season in Murray State history with 200+ assists. Morant’s 6.2 assists per game was the best at MSU since 1996-97. He was one of only two NCAA Division I players with 400 points, 200 rebounds, and 200 assists that season. He recorded six double-doubles and averaged 12.7 points per game on 46 percent shooting.
High School Career: Early Success in South Carolina
John Morant’s basketball journey began long before college. At Crestwood High School in South Carolina, he was a standout player, earning South Carolina Class 3A All-State honors as a junior and senior. He was a three-time South Carolina All-State pick and three-time All-Region MVP. Morant finished his high school career as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,679 points. As a senior and junior, he averaged nearly a triple-double with 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists per game, demonstrating his versatile skillset even in his early career.
Personal Background
Born on August 10, 1999, John Morant is the son of Tee and Jamie Morant. During his time at Murray State, he was undeclared on a major, focusing intently on his basketball career.
Conclusion: A College Legacy
John Morant’s time at Murray State was transformative, both for him and the program. He elevated the Racers to new heights with his exceptional playmaking, scoring ability, and all-around game. His record-breaking 2018-19 season solidified his place in college basketball history and propelled him to the NBA, leaving behind a lasting legacy at Murray State and among basketball fans.
