MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant held his first annual ProCamp on Saturday in Memphis. Hundreds of kids met Morant, got autographs, and even played a little ball with him. We got a chance to speak with Morant about the upcoming draft and the progress he is making after his left-shoulder surgery.
The camp comes off the heels of a tumultuous season for Morant, including a 25-game suspension and a season-ending shoulder injury. Needless to say, after only playing in nine games last season, Morant is ready to get back out on the court.
"I hate being around basketball and not being able to play," Morant said. "I don't have too much longer, I can wait to make sure I can play before the season comes."
Morant went on to say he will be able to begin practicing at full capacity in about two weeks.
Before we see 12 at full health, the Grizzlies have a decision to make as they have the ninth pick in next week's NBA Draft. Morant was asked to put on his 'general manager cap' and give his opinion on the Grizzlies' upcoming decision on draft night.
"My GM cap? I don't put on that cap man," Morant said, smiling. "I leave that to the higher-ups. I just lace my sneaks up and be the PG (point guard)."
Morant says he will be in New York City on draft night.
Hopefully the draft will be as successful for the Grizzlies as Morant's first annual ProCamp in Memphis. Over 600 campers flocked to the Memphis Sports and Events Center to learn some tricks of the trade from Ja Morant. Some even traveled hundreds of miles to meet and learn from him. “
We drove five and a half hours to get here, and we are so happy that we are here. It is a great camp," Michael Cooper, father of campers, said.
Between the H.O.R.S.E. competitions , the handshakes, and the campers doing their best 'Griddy', Morant’s first ProCamp was a massive success, with hundreds of kids showing up for a moment with the superstar.
“It was a bigger turnout than I thought it would be. But, I’m extremely grateful and thankful to everyone who helped me with this,” Morant said.
Morant is putting the past behind him and embracing what this next chapter has in store.
“It’s just one of those moments where you look at yourself and be proud. We just gotta be thankful for everything God has done for me,” Morant said.
The camp is one way Morant is embracing the city of Memphis, and even the mayor recognizes his efforts.
“We are super proud and grateful to have a worldwide superstar like Ja Morant giving back to the community; it means everything. My son is here, he is super excited, and all the kids are enamored seeing him. So, this is great for our city and an amazing facility,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young.