Jordan Morgan Appreciation Thread
I know it's been mentioned before, and Horford deserves credit too, but Jordan Morgan went from discouraged and third string to starter. Many players wouldn't show the same loyalty to a school, especially as a player who may not have the best chance of making the NBA, but Jordan has not only stuck around, he's become a leader. I've always loved his game, and as efficient as he was before McGary, he's unbelievably more efficient now. I think he deserves a thread, especially after his effort tonight.
January 22nd, 2014 at 11:42 PM ^
January 22nd, 2014 at 11:45 PM ^
While he makes a bone-headed play every once in awhile (see the over-and-back tonight), Morgan has been playing exceptionally well. He has always been a plus-defender in the low-post, and now he has become a decent rebounder and decent finisher. For a guy who, as you said, was supposed to be third-string, he is now instrumental to our ability to function post-McGary.
Additionally, he would be even more valuable if B1G refs hadn't decided to stop calling charges. It seems like you have to camp out overnight to get a charge these days. That was Morgan's forte, and it's surprising that he is never in foul trouble despite still trying to take charges.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that he's also become very, very good in the pick and roll. He is now a solid contributor in all aspects of the game.
January 22nd, 2014 at 11:49 PM ^
You have to love the foul he got where he didn't even touch the guy on the continuation. I like it the idea of cutting down on hip checks and "Big 10" slow white guy defense. I don't like refs blowing their whistles before fouls happen. Seems like that happens too much.
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:55 AM ^
I agree, I said that to my wife twice during this game. They literally blew the whistle anticipating a foul.
January 23rd, 2014 at 10:01 AM ^
January 23rd, 2014 at 9:23 AM ^
yep hes obviously not the most dynamic athlete and certain holes in his game will never disappear but you can tell hes put in some work over the years, teammates and coaches rave about his role on and off court and hes found a decent little niche to fill. i really like how hes drastically improved several areas of his game not just to see clock but to impact games with limited skill set. it drove many people crazy for years when the revolving door of solid passers would drop dimes in his pocket only for morgan to go up soft or miss bunnies....but hes light years better this year at positioning and receiving the ball and aggressively attacking rims as quickly as possible. we all know what he is and what he isnt and it appears so does he. never athletic enough to be legit shot blocker or stopper or deadly pick and pop shooter or barkley on the boards but hes adapted and does just enough to get by in those areas. and in doing so morgan (and horford) have given um unexpected by such needed production. hopefully he can keep it up and possibly even improve on the boards against msu and iu and osu the rest of the way....consistent 8-10 points and 6-8 boards on 60% shooting while busting it 100% every single possession is really encouraging when combined with the various 6'6" perimeter terrors
January 23rd, 2014 at 10:10 AM ^
It was early in the game where he was open for a long two. I remember going No No No YES! as it went down as if it was shot by Stauskus or GRIII. He is definitely the second consistent presence on the floor with Stauskus. When the other players diisappear or become erratic, he has been a steady force to settle the team down with a great slam, put back, block, or rebound.
It also was nice to see GRIII attack the basket like he did last night.
January 23rd, 2014 at 9:46 AM ^
January 23rd, 2014 at 10:30 AM ^
I'm still not convinced the over and back call against JMo was legit. I watched it a couple of times, he hadn't set a foot down in the front court, still appears to have his left foot touching in the backcourt when he drops the ball off. But with all the crap calls that were going against us last night it's not surprising. Glad the guys were able to overcome some questionable calls and get another big W.
January 22nd, 2014 at 11:47 PM ^
January 22nd, 2014 at 11:55 PM ^
He was also the starter during our awesome undefeated start to last year before McGary got into shape. Our forward depth is really good this year and would be one of the best in the country if McGary wasn't injured. I'm really hoping Donnal can live up to the hype next year or we might have trouble losing . But I'm loving this season!
Edit: I've been thinking all season that Horford is a senior, but just checked and saw that he's a redshirt junior! Fears for next year gone.
January 23rd, 2014 at 10:30 AM ^
if Donnal doesn't live up to the hype we may actually end up being pretty good at losing:) In all seriousness, I thought Horford was a senior as well, and was terrified of the frontcourt next year if Mitch leaves. Your 'Edit' brightened my morning considerably.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:23 AM ^
Is Taylor back in the record books or is that permanent?
And please, let's not use the term "Fab Five II" or acknowledge that was actually a real nickname at one point.
January 23rd, 2014 at 7:21 AM ^
He's always been in them along with the other 3. There are stupid asterisks next to their stats, though.
January 23rd, 2014 at 6:43 AM ^
Never forget him going up against Sullinger of Ohio and holding his own - a key win on the road to the B1G title.
January 22nd, 2014 at 11:51 PM ^
He's playing great right now. He will make a nice living playing basketball somewhere next year I think.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:06 AM ^
That's probably not true. I'm happy he's on our team, but he's not going to be playing professional basketball.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:12 AM ^
There are tons of leagues outside of the D-League. He can play overseas if he wants.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:33 AM ^
I don't want this to turn into me bashing Jordan Morgan. I know there are other leagues, I just don't think it's going to happen.
There's also a pretty big difference between "making a nice living" which is what I said wasn't true, and getting some run in a random league in the Middle East or something.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:38 AM ^
Really? Stu and Zack found leagues. Hell, Javohn Shepherd (spelling?) is still playing someplace, I think. If he wants to play, I bet he can.
Oh, just read the point about 'making a nice living.' You might be right about that. If he wants to spend a few years seeing the world, and getting by, and having fun, he can definitely do that. And when he's done he has a graduate engineering degree I think. Good kid, I'm happy for him.
January 23rd, 2014 at 8:11 AM ^
But an engineering degree isn't easily put on ice for a few years while you go "have fun". Use it or lose it. I mean, it's possible to do, but there are some complex skills that need to stay honed.
January 23rd, 2014 at 8:57 AM ^
January 23rd, 2014 at 9:25 AM ^
As an engineer, if you don’t continually apply yourself you lose the knowledge. This is most important right after graduating.
January 23rd, 2014 at 9:42 AM ^
Why would I in any way be offended by that comment, except for the fact that it is lead off with "No offense, but..." ?
For what it's worth, I am an engineer as well, and I think you're incorrect.
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:51 PM ^
Yes he will lose knowledge by not using it, but I have lost plenty of things I learned in college while working in the field. There are also a lot of things you pick up on the job that you don't learn in college. If he has an engineering background and common sense, I think he can have a very successful career even after having taken time off to play basketball. This is far from an either or decision.
January 23rd, 2014 at 8:49 AM ^
Lets add he who's name shant be spoken to the list. Ok....Courtney Sims name can be spoken, but last I checked even he was bouncing around somewhere too I think.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:38 AM ^
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:12 AM ^
He will also graduate with a masters degree from one of the top engineering programs in the world. A cushy engineering job might be a better alternative to playing overseas.
Then again, if I could play basketball instead of being an engineering student, I would play basketball, but I was granted strong quantitive abilities, a 5 foot 4 frame, and no hops.
January 23rd, 2014 at 8:51 AM ^
Hey, my first double post!
January 23rd, 2014 at 8:12 AM ^
Where are these cushy engineering jobs that you speak of?
January 23rd, 2014 at 8:19 AM ^
So I'm guessing that being an engineer isn't nearly as much fun as you thought it would be?
January 23rd, 2014 at 8:50 AM ^
:(
I do have freedom to make my own schedule, so there's that...
January 23rd, 2014 at 8:28 AM ^
You dont have to tell me twice, I'm on the lookout as well.
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:09 AM ^
engineering school and has no student loans. Maybe play for a few years overseas if you can and get the nice paycheck that goes with it, but might be a good idea to get started on your eventual career.
January 23rd, 2014 at 3:23 PM ^
Says who? If he chooses to pursue basketball professionally there will be leagues out there where he can play. Maybe not the major leagues in Europe but he can make 6 figures playing basketball if that's what he chooses. He could quite possibly make more with his masters in engineering, so it really depends on what he prefers doing.
Graham Brown, Josh Asselin, Chris Young, Jevohn Shephard, Brent Petway, Zak Novak and Stu Douglass are still collecting paychecks playing basketball. I don't see why Morgan can't.
January 22nd, 2014 at 11:53 PM ^
He plays very good defense and is one of my favorite players. I hate to see Mitch down, but I love the opportunity it created for Morgan and also Horford. These 2 are playing at a high level.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:20 AM ^
Daaaaammmmnnnnn. He good.
January 23rd, 2014 at 9:43 AM ^
January 23rd, 2014 at 9:39 PM ^
He actually saved it twice when it volleyball'd off of the Iowa player.
January 22nd, 2014 at 11:59 PM ^
Morgan seems like a great kid who just has a rep for fouling. I think refs unfairly call him for 1-2 per game and I understand his frustration. He's been a hard worker and a great asset to the team during his career. I remember rumors last year that he was not seeing eye to eye with Beilein and some questioned if he was going to transfer. I'm glad he stuck around.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:49 AM ^
Does he really have a rep for fouling, or do some refs just suck?
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:53 AM ^
January 23rd, 2014 at 10:09 AM ^
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:08 AM ^
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:24 AM ^
This is why you don't say shit about players that are struggling right now like Caris and tell him that he should go back to Ohio etc. In a year or 2 he could be a big part of this team like Morgan's became.
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:18 AM ^
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:24 AM ^
I appreciate Jordan Morgan and his brothers Desmond and Courtney.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:37 AM ^
I appreciate those Morgans as well as Captain.
January 23rd, 2014 at 12:27 AM ^
Morgan will definitely play professionally in something probably overseas.