Tee Morant is best known as the father of basketball star Ja Morant, but he has an impressive basketball story of his own. Long before Ja became an NBA star, Tee was an accomplished high school and college basketball player in South Carolina. He even played high school basketball alongside future NBA legend Ray Allen.
Tee eventually stepped away from his own basketball ambitions after becoming a father. Instead of pursuing a professional career, he focused on raising Ja and helping him develop as a player. His influence became a major part of Ja’s journey from a young basketball player in Dalzell, South Carolina, to the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Quick Bio of Tee Morant
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tee Morant |
| Known For | Father of Ja Morant |
| Son | Ja Morant |
| Daughter | Teniya Morant |
| Wife | Jamie Morant |
| Hometown | Dalzell, South Carolina |
| High School | Hillcrest High School |
| College | Claflin University |
| Former Teammate | Ray Allen |
| Profession | Former Basketball Player, Barber |
| Basketball Role | Player and Mentor |
| Known For | Developing Ja Morant’s basketball skills |
| Public Profile | Basketball personality and supportive father |
Who Is Tee Morant?
Tee Morant is the father of NBA star Ja Morant and a former basketball player from South Carolina. Before becoming known around the NBA for his courtside appearances, Tee had already built a connection to basketball through his own playing career.
He attended Hillcrest High School in Dalzell, South Carolina, where he played alongside Ray Allen, who later became one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history. Tee continued playing basketball at Claflin University and graduated in 1998. His own experience as a player later became valuable when he began training his son.
Tee Morant’s Early Basketball Career
Tee developed his basketball skills in South Carolina and became a notable high school player at Hillcrest High. One of the most interesting details about his early career is his connection with Ray Allen. The two played together during their high school years and were part of a team that won a South Carolina state championship.
After high school, Tee continued his basketball career at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. His college experience gave him a deeper understanding of the game and helped develop the basketball knowledge he would later pass to Ja. Tee’s own career may not have reached the NBA, but his playing background became an important foundation for his son’s development.
Tee Morant’s Basketball Dreams
Tee had ambitions of playing professional basketball after college. He explored opportunities beyond the United States and played basketball at a semi-professional level. However, his plans changed after his wife, Jamie, became pregnant with Ja.
Instead of continuing to chase his own professional basketball dreams, Tee decided to focus on his growing family. He eventually returned home and worked as a barber. That decision changed the direction of his life, but it also gave him more time to become directly involved in his son’s basketball development.
Tee Morant and Ja Morant’s Childhood
Tee played a major role in introducing Ja to serious basketball training. The family lived in Dalzell, South Carolina, and Tee created a basketball environment around his son from an early age. He built a court in the family’s backyard and encouraged Ja to practice regularly.
One of Tee’s most memorable training methods involved tractor tires. He used the heavy tires to help Ja develop his jumping ability while also teaching him basketball fundamentals. Tee also worked with Ja on moves such as the step-back jump shot. These unusual training methods became part of the story behind Ja’s athletic development.
How Tee Helped Build Ja Morant’s Career
Tee was not simply a father watching his son play. He became an active mentor who spent countless hours helping Ja improve. He recorded Ja’s games and looked for opportunities to showcase his son’s abilities when major college programs were not initially paying much attention.
Ja eventually developed into an outstanding high school player at Crestwood High School. He later received an opportunity to play at Murray State, where he quickly became one of college basketball’s most exciting players. His success there eventually led to his selection by the Memphis Grizzlies with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Tee Morant and Ja Morant’s NBA Journey
When Ja entered the NBA, Tee remained one of his biggest supporters. He became a familiar face at games and frequently appeared courtside cheering for his son. His energetic personality also made him recognizable among basketball fans.
Ja has repeatedly acknowledged his father’s influence. Tee’s role went beyond teaching basketball techniques. He pushed Ja to work hard, remain focused, and continue improving even after receiving recognition. That mentality became especially important as Ja moved from being an overlooked college prospect to becoming a major NBA star.
Tee Morant’s Relationship With Ray Allen
Tee’s connection with Ray Allen is one of the most interesting details from his basketball background. The two played together at Hillcrest High School before taking different paths in basketball.
Ray Allen eventually enjoyed a Hall of Fame NBA career, while Tee moved away from professional basketball and concentrated on his family. Their shared high school history remains notable because both were talented players who came through the same South Carolina basketball environment.
Tee Morant’s Family
Tee is married to Jamie Morant, who also has a strong athletic background. Jamie played basketball in high school and softball at Claflin University. Together, Tee and Jamie raised Ja and their daughter, Teniya Morant.
Teniya also developed an interest in basketball and played at the college level. This means basketball has been an important part of the Morant family for multiple generations. Tee’s own experience as a player, combined with Jamie’s athletic background, created a household where sports were a natural part of family life.
Tee Morant as a Barber
After stepping away from his basketball ambitions, Tee worked as a barber in the Sumter, South Carolina, area. This became an important part of his life while he focused on raising his children.
His career as a barber also gave him a practical way to support his family while remaining involved in Ja’s development. Instead of pursuing professional basketball for himself, Tee invested much of his energy into helping his son reach his potential. His story is therefore not only about basketball but also about choosing family over personal athletic ambitions.
Tee Morant’s Famous Courtside Presence
As Ja’s NBA career developed, Tee became a recognizable personality in his own right. His courtside appearances attracted attention because of his enthusiastic support, colorful personality, and interactions with fans and other basketball personalities.
He has been seen sitting courtside at arenas around the NBA and has interacted with players and well-known figures during games. His presence became particularly noticeable during Ja’s rise with the Memphis Grizzlies. Tee’s courtside personality added another entertaining element to the Morant family’s connection with professional basketball.
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Tee Morant’s Influence on Ja Morant
Tee’s influence on Ja extends beyond basketball technique. He encouraged his son to work hard and avoid becoming satisfied simply because he had achieved a certain level of success.
Tee has described himself as someone who wanted Ja to keep improving. That approach was visible during Ja’s rise through high school and college basketball. Even when major recruiters initially overlooked Ja, Tee continued recording his games and supporting his development. Eventually, Ja’s performances at Murray State made him impossible for NBA scouts to ignore.
Tee Morant’s Life Today
Tee Morant remains closely connected to basketball through his son and the wider basketball community. His public profile has grown considerably since Ja entered the NBA, but his identity remains strongly connected to his role as a father and mentor.
Although Tee once had his own professional basketball ambitions, his biggest contribution to the sport may have come through helping develop Ja. From backyard training sessions in South Carolina to NBA arenas across the country, his journey with his son has become one of the more recognizable father-son stories in modern basketball.
Conclusion
Tee Morant’s story is closely connected to the rise of his son, Ja Morant, but he had a basketball journey of his own long before Ja became an NBA star. He played high school basketball with Ray Allen, continued at Claflin University, and explored professional opportunities before choosing family life.
His decision to step away from his own playing ambitions allowed him to spend more time raising Ja and developing his basketball skills. The backyard court, unconventional tire drills, game recordings, and constant encouragement all became important parts of Ja’s development.
Today, Tee is recognized not only as Ja Morant’s father but also as one of the key figures behind the basketball star’s early journey. His story is ultimately one of family, sacrifice, basketball knowledge, and a father’s commitment to helping his child reach the highest level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tee Morant?
Tee Morant is the father of NBA basketball player Ja Morant. He is a former basketball player who attended Hillcrest High School and Claflin University.
How old is Tee Morant?
Tee Morant’s exact age is not consistently documented by major official sports sources. Some recent biographical sources report a November 15, 1978 birth date, which would make him 47 in 2026. Because that date is not confirmed by an official NBA biography, it should be treated as a reported detail rather than an officially verified fact.
Did Tee Morant play professional basketball?
Tee played college basketball and explored professional opportunities after college. He ultimately stepped away from pursuing a professional career after Jamie became pregnant with Ja and later focused on family and working as a barber.
Was Tee Morant teammates with Ray Allen?
Yes. Tee Morant and Ray Allen played high school basketball together at Hillcrest High School in South Carolina.
How did Tee Morant help Ja become a basketball player?
Tee trained Ja from childhood, built a basketball court at home, used tractor tires for jumping exercises, taught him basketball techniques, recorded his games, and encouraged him to keep working when college recruiters initially overlooked him.
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