Tee Morant is famous not just as the father of NBA star, Ja Morant, but for his sharp and harsh words whenever he speaks about his son. The public is always surprised by the way Morant speaks about his son in public.
Irrespective of this, fans can not help but want to know about Ja’s father and why he acts the way he does.
So, who is Tee Morant?
Tee Morant biography
Tee Morant hails from Memphis, Tennessee. He has made a name for himself as a former college basketball player and, more notably, as the proud father of NBA star Ja Morant.
Morant’s unwavering support for his son is evident as he passionately cheers him on from the front row during games, always keeping a keen eye on Ja’s performances. As a former player himself, Morant has a deep understanding of the game in his role as both a supporter and a critic. He recognises the potential in Ja’s talent and constantly pushes him to reach new heights.
While Morant’s love for his son shines through his unwavering support, he also possesses a discerning eye that allows him to provide constructive criticism when necessary. With a desire to see Ja continually improve, Morant offers valuable insights and guidance to help shape his son’s game.
While his words might seem like constructive criticism of Ja’s performances, basketball spectators are always shocked by how harsh his words are whenever he speaks of his son. Morant once said that Ja played like trash. Trash! after the Memphis Grizzlies played against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Asides from the way he criticises his son, Morant is also known for ‘exchanging words’ with NBA players and players’ parents.
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For instance, during a game between the LA Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, Morant got into an argument with NFL legend, Shannon Sharpe.
Tee Morant career
Morant honed his skills on the court from a young age. He had the privilege of playing alongside the renowned Ray Allen during their time at Hillcrest High School in Dalzell. Their collaboration proved to be formidable as they led their team to victory, clinching the state championship in the 1992-93 season.
Morant got admitted to Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and continued his basketball journey. There, he showcased his skills as a member of the university’s basketball team and left a lasting impact on the court.
His commitment to the game and the victories he achieved at both the high school and collegiate levels stand as a testament to his talent and hard work.
After graduating in 1998, Morant set his sights on pursuing a professional basketball career. He attended an NBA camp, hoping to impress scouts and secure a spot on a team. However, he received feedback that he did not meet the height requirements that teams were seeking. Despite this setback, Morant remained determined to continue his basketball journey.
Seeking opportunities to showcase his skills, Morant joined a semi-professional team in Colombia. He, however, encountered difficulties with player salaries and faced challenges during his time in South America. It became clear that pursuing a professional basketball career overseas was not the ideal path for him.
During this critical juncture in Morant’s life, he received life-changing news: Jamie Morant, his partner, was expecting their son. The impending arrival of their child prompted Morant to make a significant decision.
He chose to prioritise his role as a father and create a stable environment for his growing family. With a newfound sense of purpose, Morant decided to settle down in Dalzell and dedicated himself to raising his son.
Alongside his responsibilities as a father, Morant also became a barber. This allowed him to provide for his family while pursuing his passion for basketball in a different capacity.
Recognising his son’s inherent love for the game, Morant assumed the role of Ja Morant’s trainer. Even at a young age, it was evident that the younger Morant was infatuated with basketball and the older Morant fostered that passion by playing with him on their backyard court from the tender age of three.
Through his unwavering support and early involvement in Ja Morant’s basketball journey, Morant laid the foundation for the budding talent that his son would later become.
Tee Morant’s net worth
According to Media Referee, Tee Morant has an estimated net worth of $5 million.
Tee Morant family
Morant’s family is filled with basketball lovers and players. Morant’s wife is Jamie Shanks Morant, a former collegiate athlete who has showcased her skills in multiple sports, including basketball.
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She particularly excelled as a point guard on the basketball team, demonstrating her leadership and court vision. Additionally, Jamie showcased her talent on the softball team, further highlighting her versatility as an athlete.
Her journey intertwines with Morant’s, whom she met during their time at Claflin University.
Jamie Shanks graduated from Claflin University in 1999 with a bachelor of science degree in biology. Not long after her graduation, she welcomed her son into the world.
Her role as a supportive mother has undoubtedly contributed to the Morant family’s success and the inspiring journey of her son, Ja Morant, as he continues to make his mark in the world of basketball.
Morant and Jamie Shanks welcomed their first son and child Ja Morant on August 10, 1999.
Today, Ja Morant is a professional basketball player. He gained prominence during his college career at Murray State University, where he showcased his exceptional skills and athleticism on the basketball court. As a point guard, Morant’s electrifying performances and highlight-reel dunks captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts and NBA scouts alike.
After two impressive seasons at Murray State, Ja Morant was on the list for NBA Draft in 2019. He was selected as the second overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies and this signified the start of his professional basketball journey.
Morant wasted no time in making an impact in the NBA, earning the Rookie of the Year award for the 2019-2020 season. His dynamic playing style, court vision, and ability to finish at the rim have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest point guards.
Throughout his career, Ja Morant has continued to make waves in the NBA. His incredible talent, basketball IQ and relentless work ethic have solidified his status as one of the league’s rising stars.
Beyond his on-court success, Ja Morant is also known for his humble and charismatic personality. He has quickly gained a large and devoted fan base, inspiring basketball enthusiasts with his exciting style of play and down-to-earth demeanour.
Ja Morant once stated that his father’s story is his biggest inspiration. According to him, “I didn’t have any players inspire me.
“It’s the situation with my dad. He had the opportunity to play professional basketball and he gave it up when my mom called and said she was pregnant with me. Instead of going to play, he stayed to raise me. So that’s my motivation. I’m living my dream and his dream through me right now.”
Despite how harsh his father is with him, Morant revealed that his father has always been his support system.
He said, “My dad trained me my whole life, so, that’s where we get our connection.
“Then once I got old enough to know, like, what he was doing with some of the stuff he did, I realised that it helped me.”
The older Morant also has a daughter, Teniya. Just like her elder brother, Teniya has already taken to the court and showcased her skills and talent.
Currently, Teniya is a member of the Hillcrest Middle School basketball team in Dalzell.
Tee Morant age
Tee Morant was born in 1978. He is 45 years old as of 2023.
Tee Morant now
Despite fans’ reactions regarding his strict criticism of his son, Tee Morant continues to support his son as he climbs the success ladder in basketball.
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