marcus-morris-hd.jpeg

22 - Marcus Morris

6-8, 230 Small Forward/Power Forward
Kansas Junior
Birthday
09/02/89 (34.5 yrs)
Hometown
Philadelphia, PA
High School
APEX Academy (PA)
Team Site Profile
Statistics
Athleticism
8
Size
7
Defense
7
Strength
7
Quickness
8
Leadership
8
Jump Shot
9
NBA Ready
9
Ball Handling
NA
Potential
8
Passing
NA
Intangibles
7

NBA Comparison: Al Harrington

Strengths: A mere role player as a freshman and sophomore, Marcus Morris quickly emerged as one of college basketball’s elite forwards in the country as a junior … Morris thrives off his versatility that allows him to maneuver from any position in the post … Shows the ability to turn over either shoulder with his back to the basket, making tough fadeaway jumpers look routine … Possesses advanced ball-skills, both at the high and low post … Extremely efficient scoring around the rim, showing an excellent touch and high awareness of his defender’s positioning … Strong balance/body control and effective pivot-steps to slide off defenders in the post for easier scoring opportunities … Shown the ability to face up and beat his man off the dribble… His jumpshot is excellent- terrific form, extremely fluid in catch and release situations… Has range out to 20 plus feet… Anticipates well on the glass..  Defensively he brings a strong work ethic with high intensity that should help make up for physical limitations in terms of height, length and explosiveness …

Weaknesses: Morris lacks length, which could be problematic on both sides of the ball within ten feet of the rim (only averaged .6 blocks per game) … plays mostly under the rim, doesn’t possess the explosiveness you’d hope for from a forward with his athleticism … Has a limited ceiling – potential to be a long-term fixture in a rotation but not necessarily a bona fide star … Rebounding and shot-blocking numbers not overly impressive … Only shot 68% from free throw line …

Overall: Morris is a guy who should be able to step in and contribute right away… His ability to spread the floor and create balanced spacing should allow him to find a spot in a rotation immediately… With a refined post game an an established outside stroke, Morris is one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft, and should be considered a lock for the lottery

Jonathan Wasserman 5/11/11

Strengths:  Versatile big forward with the ability to face the basket as well as play in the post … Highly productive scorer for one of the nation’s top programs … Has a polished mid-range game with a reliable 12-15 foot jump shot … Aggressive scorer with excellent form on his jumpshot … Can put the ball on the deck and excels at isolating against other bigmen and using his one on one skills and speed to create jumpshots or get to the basket … Even displays three point range … Doesn’t force many shots … A decent passer …  A solid athlete with good leaping ability … Strong in transition. Runs the floor well … Similar to his brother, not afraid of contact and understands how to box out and play in the post … Gives solid effort on the boards … Good foot work and nice moves in the paint … Has a polished fade away jumpshot … Plays with a high motor, stays active …

Weaknesses: Lacks great bulk and optimum size/strength to bang in the post … Unable to physically overpower top level post players … Surprisingly short arms. At 6-9 and with a 6-7 wingspan, lacks great length for the post position … Doesn’t  stand out defensively … Lacks the foot speed to defend small forwards … No shot blocking ability … A year old for his grade …

Notes:  The more productive of the Morris Twins. Marcus has the better jumpshot and it has given him a greater opportunity for playing time … Has been a highly productive contributor for Kansas in his first two seasons …

Aran Smith 8/14/10

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