Jaylen Morris
{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1995)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Jaylen Morris
| image = Jaylen Morris (cropped).jpg
| caption =
| position = Shooting guard / small forward
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 5
| weight_lb = 185
| league =
| team =
| number =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1995|9|19}}
| birth_place = Amherst, New York, U.S.
| high_school = St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute
(Buffalo, New York)
| college = Molloy (2013–2017)
| draft_year = 2017
| career_start = 2017
| career_end = 2023
| coach_start = 2024
| years1 = 2017–2018
| team1 = Erie BayHawks
| years2 = {{nbay|2017|end}}
| team2 = Atlanta Hawks
| years3 = {{nbay|2018|full=y}}
| team3 = Milwaukee Bucks
| years4 = 2018–2019
| team4 = →Wisconsin Herd
| years5 = 2019
| team5 = Erie BayHawks
| years6 = 2019–2020
| team6 = Aris Thessaloniki
| years7 = 2020
| team7 = Bnei Herzliya
| years8 = 2021
| team8 = Iowa Wolves
| years9 = 2021
| team9 = Austin Spurs
| years10 = {{nbay|2021|end}}
| team10 = San Antonio Spurs
| years11 = 2022
| team11 = Austin Spurs
| years12 = 2023
| team12 = Raptors 905
| cyears1 = 2024–present
| cteam1 = Daemen University (assistant)
| highlights =
}}
Jaylen Morris (born September 19, 1995) is an American former professional basketball player who last played for Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for Molloy College in NCAA Division II.
He is currently an assistant coach for Daemen University, and a trainer at Darren Fenn's XGen Elite basketball academy in West Seneca.
Early life and college career
Morris attended high school at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, New York.{{cite web|title=Former St. Joe's basketball player Jaylen Morris signs 10-day deal with Atlanta Hawks|url=http://buffalonews.com/2018/02/28/former-st-joes-basketball-player-jaylen-morris-signs-10-day-deal-with-atlanta-hawks/|website=buffalonews.com|date=February 28, 2018}} During his senior year, he was an honorable mention for the All-Western New York team and named Mr. Defense for being the best defensive player in New York State.{{cite web|title=Jaylen Morris and his unlikely climb to the NBA|url=https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2018/3/13/17112656/jaylen-morris-unlikely-climb-nba-atlanta-hawks|website=PeachtreeHoops.com|date=13 March 2018}} With no scholarship offers, he decided to go to Molloy College where his father Patrick was assistant coach.{{cite web|title=St. Joe's grad Jaylen Morris takes unusual road to the NBA|url=http://buffalonews.com/2018/03/02/st-joes-grad-jaylen-morris-takes-unusual-road-to-the-nba/|website=TheBuffaloNews.com|date=March 2, 2018}}
Following his sophomore year at Molloy College, Morris received an East Coast Conference All-Conference Honorable Mention.{{cite journal|title=Hooker, Beverly, and Reyes Headline ECC Men's Basketball All-Conference Awards|url=http://www.eccsports.org/sports/mbkb/2014-15/releases/030415_mbb_allconf|website=ECCsports.org|language=en|date=March 4, 2015|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=April 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405024627/http://www.eccsports.org/sports/mbkb/2014-15/releases/030415_mbb_allconf|url-status=dead}} He was named to the All-ECC Third-team and All-Met Second-team following his junior year,{{cite web|title=Morris Named All-Met Second Teamer by MBWA|url=http://www.molloylions.com/news/2016/4/8/mens-basketball-morris-named-all-met-second-teamer-by-mbwa.aspx?path=mbball|website=molloylions.com|language=en}} Morris received All-ECC First-team honors following his senior year.{{cite journal|title=Former Molloy Standout Jaylen Morris Signs 10 Day Contract with Atlanta Hawks|url=http://www.eccsports.org/sports/mbkb/2017-18/releases/022818_morris_nba|website=eccsports.org|language=en|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=April 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405090321/http://www.eccsports.org/sports/mbkb/2017-18/releases/022818_morris_nba|url-status=dead}} During his senior season, he became the second-highest scorer for the team, averaging 19.9 points per game.
Professional career
=Erie BayHawks (2017–2018)=
After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft, Morris worked out with the Long Island Nets, leading to him being drafted 41st overall in the 2017 NBA G League Draft by the Erie BayHawks.{{cite web|title=Morris Selected by Erie BayHawks in NBA G-League Draft - Molloy College|url=http://www.molloylions.com/news/2017/10/24/mens-basketball-morris-selected-by-erie-bayhawks-in-nba-g-legue-draft.aspx|website=molloylions.com|language=en}}
=Atlanta Hawks (2018)=
On February 28, 2018, he signed a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks.{{cite news|title=Hawks Sign Erie Guard Jaylen Morris|url=http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/hawks-sign-erie-guard-jaylen-morris|date=February 28, 2018|work=NBA.com|access-date=February 28, 2018}} Morris made his NBA debut that same day in a 107–102 win over the Indiana Pacers.{{cite news|title=Schroder helps Hawks hold off late Pacers' comeback attempt|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975661|access-date=March 1, 2018|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=February 28, 2018}} In his debut, Morris recorded 2 points and 2 rebounds in 11 minutes of action. After his initial 10-day contract expired, he signed a second 10-day contract with the Hawks on March 11, 2018.{{cite web|title=Hawks Sign Jaylen Morris To Second 10-Day Contract|url=http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/hawks-sign-jaylen-morris-second-10-day-contract|website=NBA.com|access-date=March 13, 2018}} During that night's game, he would end up injuring his ankle.{{cite web|title=Hawks Sign Jaylen Morris For Rest Of Season|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2018/03/hawks-signing-jaylen-morris-for-the-rest-of-the-season.html|website=HoopsRumors.com}} Despite the injury, Morris would ultimately sign with the Hawks for the rest of the season on March 21, 2018.{{cite web|title=Hawks Sign Jaylen Morris To Multi-Year Contract|url=http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/hawks-sign-jaylen-morris-multi-year-contract|website=NBA.com|date=March 21, 2018|access-date=April 4, 2018|language=en}} He was waived on July 19, 2018.{{cite web |title=Hawks Request Waivers On Jaylen Morris |url=https://www.nba.com/hawks/news/hawks-request-waivers-jaylen-morris |website=NBA.com |access-date=July 26, 2018 |date=July 19, 2018}}
=Milwaukee Bucks (2018–2019)=
On July 22, 2018, Morris signed a deal with the Italian club Auxilium Pallacanestro Torino.{{cite web|title=Jaylen Morris signs with Fiat Torino|url=https://sportando.basketball/en/italy/serie-a/282956/jaylen-morris-signs-with-fiat-torino.html|website=Sportando.basketball|date=July 22, 2018|access-date=July 22, 2018|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=February 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He opted out of the deal with Auxilium Pallacanestro Torino on July 31, 2018, in order to sign a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.{{cite web|title=Bucks' Jaylen Morris: Changes course, signs two-way deal with Bucks|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/bucks-jaylen-morris-changes-course-signs-two-way-deal-with-bucks/|website=cbssports.com|date=July 26, 2018|access-date=August 2, 2018|language=en}}{{cite web|title=Bucks Sign Jaylen Morris To A Two-Way Contract|url=https://www.nba.com/bucks/news/bucks-sign-jaylen-morris-two-way-contract|website=NBA.com|date=July 31, 2018|access-date=August 2, 2018|language=en}} On January 13, 2019, the Bucks requested waivers on Morris.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/bucks/news/milwaukee-bucks-request-waivers-jaylen-morris|title = Milwaukee Bucks Request Waivers on Jaylen Morris|website = NBA.com}}
=Return to Erie (2019)=
On January 31, 2019, the Erie BayHawks announced that they had added Morris to their roster.{{cite web|first1=Billy|last1=Hartman|title=Erie BayHawks Add Jaylen Morris|url=https://erie.gleague.nba.com/news/erie-bayhawks-add-jaylen-morris|date=January 31, 2019|work=NBA.com|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201173103/https://erie.gleague.nba.com/news/erie-bayhawks-add-jaylen-morris/|url-status=dead}}
=Aris (2019–2020)=
On September 25, 2019, Aris Thessaloniki announced that Morris had joined their club for the 2019–2020 season.{{cite web|title=ΣΤΟΝ ΑΡΗ Ο JAYLEN MORRIS|language=Greek|url=https://www.arisbc.gr/el/enimerosi/eidiseis/1005-ston-ari-o-jaylen-morris.html|date=September 25, 2019|website=arisbc.gr|access-date=September 25, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926014531/https://www.arisbc.gr/el/enimerosi/eidiseis/1005-ston-ari-o-jaylen-morris.html|url-status=dead}} He averaged 9.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
=Bnei Herzliya (2020)=
On October 27, 2020, Morris signed a one-month deal with Bnei Herzliya of the Israeli National League.{{cite web |last1=Dahan |first1=Netanel |title=Jaylen Morris (ex Aris) joins Bnei Hertzeliya |url=https://www.eurobasket.com/Greece/news/650516/Jaylen-Morris-(ex-Aris)-joins-Bnei-Hertzeliya |website=Eurobasket |access-date=October 27, 2020 |date=October 27, 2020}}
=Iowa Wolves (2021)=
Morris joined the Iowa Wolves of the G League for their 2021 campaign. He was waived by the Wolves on February 12 after one game with the team.
=Austin Spurs (2021)=
Morris was claimed by the Austin Spurs on February 14, 2021. On February 25, he was released following a season-ending injury.
On October 8, 2021, Morris signed with the San Antonio Spurs, but was released prior to the start of the season.{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Adams|title=Spurs Sign Jaylen Morris To Non-Guaranteed Contract|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/10/spurs-sign-jaylen-morris-to-non-guaranteed-contract.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=October 8, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021}}{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Adams|title=Spurs Cut Jaylen Morris, Denzel Mahoney; Will Sign Jordan Burns|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/10/spurs-cut-jaylen-morris-denzel-mahoney-will-sign-jordan-burns.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=October 11, 2021|access-date=November 1, 2021}} On October 27, 2021, he re-signed with the Austin Spurs.{{cite tweet|author=Austin Spurs|number=1453389119367925764|title=Our 2021-22 training camp roster is set!|user=austin_spurs|date=October 27, 2021|access-date=November 1, 2021}}
=San Antonio Spurs (2022)=
On January 1, 2022, Morris signed a 10-day contract with the San Antonio Spurs via the hardship exemption.{{cite news |last1=Orsborn |first1=Tom |title=Spurs lose two more players to COVID-19 protocols |url=https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-lose-two-more-players-to-COVID-19-protocols-16742263.php |access-date=January 1, 2022 |work=San Antonio Express-News |date=January 1, 2022}}
=Return to Austin (2022)=
On January 11, 2022, Morris was reacquired by the Austin Spurs.{{cite web|url=https://gleague.nba.com/transactions/|website=gleague.nba.com|title=2021-22 NBA G League transactions|date=January 11, 2022|access-date=January 11, 2022}}
=Raptors 905 (2023)=
On October 30, 2023, Morris joined Raptors 905, but was later waived on December 9, 2023.{{cite web|title=RAPTORS 905 FINALIZES TRAINING CAMP ROSTER|url=https://raptors905.gleague.nba.com/news/raptors-905-finalizes-training-camp-roster-2|website=NBA.com|date=October 30, 2023|access-date=December 11, 2023}}{{cite web|title=2023-2024 Raptors 905 Transaction History|url=https://basketball.realgm.com/dleague/teams/Raptors-905/41/Transaction_History/2024|website=RealGM.com|access-date=December 11, 2023}}
Coaching career
Morris was announced as assistant coach for Daemen University under Mike MacDonald on October 3, 2024.{{cite web | last=Athletics | first=Daemen University | title=Men's Basketball Announces Coaching Staff Additions | website=Daemen University Athletics | date=October 3, 2024 | url=https://daemenwildcats.com/news/2024/10/3/mens-basketball-announces-coaching-staff-updates.aspx | access-date=October 20, 2024}}
He was hired on October 18, 2024, as a trainer for Darren Fenn's XGen Elite basketball academy in West Seneca.{{cite web | title="Jaylen Morris!" | website=Instagram | date=October 18, 2024 | url=https://www.instagram.com/xgenelite/p/DBRwYzfPlv-/?hl=en | access-date=October 20, 2024}}
NBA career statistics
{{NBA player statistics legend}}
=Regular season=
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2017}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Atlanta
| 6 || 0 || 16.4 || .406 || .200 || – || 2.7 || 1.2 || .3 || .2 || 4.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2018}}
| style="text-align:left;"| Milwaukee
| 4 || 0 || 7.1 || .400 || .333 || .500 || 1.3 || 1.0 || .5 || .0 || 2.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2021}}
| style="text-align:left;"| San Antonio
| 3 || 0 || 5.3 || .000 || .000 || .500 || .7 || .7 || .0 || .0 || .7
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career
| 13 || 0 || 11.0 || .354 || .200 || .500 || 1.8 || 1.0 || .3 || .1 || 3.1
{{S-end}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{basketballstats|bbr=m/morrija01}}
- [https://daemenwildcats.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jaylen-morris/1054 Profile] from Daemen University
- [http://www.molloylions.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3312 Profile] from Molloy University
{{DEFAULTSORT:Morris, Jaylen}}
Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Canada
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Greece
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Israel
Category:American men's basketball players
Category:Atlanta Hawks players
Category:Basketball players from New York (state)
Category:Bnei Herzliya basketball players
Category:Erie BayHawks (2017–2019) players
Category:Milwaukee Bucks players
Category:Molloy Lions men's basketball players
Category:People from Amherst, New York
Category:San Antonio Spurs players
Category:Sportspeople from Erie County, New York
Category:St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute alumni