Murray State University Athletics
Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics
Morant Comes Home To MSU - First Visit As a Memphis Grizzly
8/23/2019 2:05:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball
Given all the pomp and circumstance of visiting royalty, former Murray State basketball star Ja Morant came back to Murray State University on Friday (Aug. 23) for the first time as a member of the 
Memphis Grizzlies.
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"This is my second home and today has been special," said Morant, who became the top draft pick in MSU and Ohio Valley Conference history in June when he was taken by the Grizzlies as the second selection in the 2019 NBA Draft. "I'm a little emotional (today). I think I am a Racer for life and I am very thankful to be in this family as a Murray State Racer and to be with these guys and these coaches today."
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Morant arrived at MSU's Wells Halls where he was greeted by a large crowd, the Racer Band, cheer team and dance team. After he walked up the tall steps to the front door, he was greeted by MSU President, Dr. Bob Jackson. Morant eventually walked with a huge crowd following him, to the Curris Center. After signing autographs until demand had been met, Morant walked to the CFSB Center where he thrilled record crowds and helped the Racers to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference regular season titles, OVC Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
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At the Ray Center (MSU's basketball practice facility, adjacent to the CFSB Center), Morant was given the key to the city by Murray Mayor, Bob Rogers and the key to Calloway County by Judge Executive, Kenny Imes. Both elected officials read from official proclamations naming the day Ja Morant Day in Murray and Calloway County.
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Morant and the Grizzlies begin training camp soon in advance of their first preseason game against Maccabi Haifa (Oct. 6). The season opener is on the road against the Miami Heat (Oct. 23) with the team's home opener (Oct. 25) against the Chicago Bulls.
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The Murray State basketball season is also coming soon. Get your Murray State Men's Basketball 2019-20 season tickets by calling 270.809.3000. Season ticket packages for the 16-game 2019-20 season start as low as $170 (General Admission), with opportunity to purchase Reserved lower End Zone Bleachers ($229.50) and lower Corner Chairs ($289). 2018-19 season saw a record 87,000+ fans attend Murray State Men's Basketball games, while setting two all-time single-game attendance records (1/24/19 vs. Belmont [8,969] & 3/2/19 vs. APSU [9,012]).
Memphis Grizzlies.Â
"This is my second home and today has been special," said Morant, who became the top draft pick in MSU and Ohio Valley Conference history in June when he was taken by the Grizzlies as the second selection in the 2019 NBA Draft. "I'm a little emotional (today). I think I am a Racer for life and I am very thankful to be in this family as a Murray State Racer and to be with these guys and these coaches today."
Â
Morant arrived at MSU's Wells Halls where he was greeted by a large crowd, the Racer Band, cheer team and dance team. After he walked up the tall steps to the front door, he was greeted by MSU President, Dr. Bob Jackson. Morant eventually walked with a huge crowd following him, to the Curris Center. After signing autographs until demand had been met, Morant walked to the CFSB Center where he thrilled record crowds and helped the Racers to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference regular season titles, OVC Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Â
At the Ray Center (MSU's basketball practice facility, adjacent to the CFSB Center), Morant was given the key to the city by Murray Mayor, Bob Rogers and the key to Calloway County by Judge Executive, Kenny Imes. Both elected officials read from official proclamations naming the day Ja Morant Day in Murray and Calloway County.Â
Morant and the Grizzlies begin training camp soon in advance of their first preseason game against Maccabi Haifa (Oct. 6). The season opener is on the road against the Miami Heat (Oct. 23) with the team's home opener (Oct. 25) against the Chicago Bulls.
Â
The Murray State basketball season is also coming soon. Get your Murray State Men's Basketball 2019-20 season tickets by calling 270.809.3000. Season ticket packages for the 16-game 2019-20 season start as low as $170 (General Admission), with opportunity to purchase Reserved lower End Zone Bleachers ($229.50) and lower Corner Chairs ($289). 2018-19 season saw a record 87,000+ fans attend Murray State Men's Basketball games, while setting two all-time single-game attendance records (1/24/19 vs. Belmont [8,969] & 3/2/19 vs. APSU [9,012]).
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