Early Life and Education of Ja Morant: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 12, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Ja Morant, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Temetrius Jamel "Ja" Morant is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Known for his explosive athleticism and playmaking abilities, Morant played college basketball at Murray State University, earning consensus first-team All-American honors in 2019. He was drafted second overall by the Grizzlies in the 2019 NBA draft and quickly established himself as a key player, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2020. Morant has led the Grizzlies to playoff contention, showcasing his scoring, passing, and rebounding skills.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 10, 1999: Ja Morant's Birth

On August 10, 1999, Temetrius Jamel Morant, later known as Ja Morant, was born.

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2012: Triple-Double in NCAA Tournament

On March 21, 2019, Ja Morant became the eighth player to officially record a triple-double in the history of the NCAA tournament, and the first player since Draymond Green in 2012.

July 2016: Discovered by Murray State

In July 2016, Ja Morant was accidentally discovered by Murray State's assistant coach James Kane while playing a three-on-three game in an auxiliary gym.

September 3, 2016: Committed to Murray State

On September 3, 2016, Ja Morant committed to playing for Murray State during dinner at head coach Matt McMahon's house.

November 10, 2017: Murray State Debut

On November 10, 2017, Ja Morant debuted for Murray State, scoring 7 points and providing a team-high 11 assists in a 118-61 victory over Brescia University.

December 12, 2017: First Career Double-Double

On December 12, 2017, Ja Morant recorded his first career double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 69–55 loss to Saint Louis.

2017: Unranked Recruit

In 2017, Ja Morant was not ranked by recruiting services and only received one high major NCAA Division I offer from South Carolina.

February 1, 2018: Season-High Points

On February 1, 2018, Ja Morant scored a season-high 23 points against Southeast Missouri State.

November 24, 2018: First Multiple Triple-Doubles

On November 24, 2018, Ja Morant posted 29 points, a season-high 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 77–66 win over Missouri State, becoming the first Murray State player to ever record multiple triple-doubles.

2018: AAU Teammate with Zion Williamson

In 2018, Ja Morant was teammates with Zion Williamson on the South Carolina Hornets in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit.

2018: Chris Paul's Elite Guard Camp

In the summer of 2018, Ja Morant was invited to Chris Paul's Elite Guard Camp.

January 10, 2019: Wooden Award Watch List and Assist Record

On January 10, 2019, Ja Morant was named to the midseason top 25 watch list for the John R. Wooden Award and broke the school record for most assists in a single game, with 18, against UT Martin.

August 7, 2019: Morant's Daughter Born

On August 7, 2019, Ja Morant became a father with the birth of his daughter.

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2019: Declared for the NBA Draft

Following Murray State's loss in the 2019 NCAA men's basketball tournament, Ja Morant announced his intention to forgo his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility and declare for the 2019 NBA draft.