I had a chance to sit down with Canton McKinley junior forward Raymar Morgan
Wednesday night at Malone College. Morgan, 6' 7" and 215 pounds, led
McKinley to the state title in Columbus last weekend, and was named MVP of the
tournament. Morgan, an All-Ohio 2nd team selection, is already planning for a
return trip to the state tournament next year.
"My goal is to make it to my third final four, and win it all
again," said Morgan. " I need to get stronger and I'm working on
extending my shooting range. This summer, I'll be playing for the King James
All-Stars again. LeBron James is my idol. We talk a lot in the summer and I
respect him a lot."
When asked if Ohio State receiving a verbal commitment from fellow junior
Daequan Cook of Dayton Dunbar might influence his college choice, Morgan smiled
and said, "Yes it might. I've met him and like him a lot. He's a great
player. We were together when Ohio State beat Illinois. The atmosphere was
amazing that day."
As one of the top juniors in Ohio, Raymar has drawn interest from most of the
big time programs in America. He admitted he's having a hard time narrowing his
list of favorites.
"My list would be Ohio State, Michigan State, Connecticut, Syracuse,
Georgia Tech and Arizona, in no particular order," said Morgan. "I've
been to Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State and Arizona. I have family in
Arizona."
Raymar quickly denied rumors that he's decided on Michigan State.
"No, I haven't decided on Michigan State. I'm not close to making a
decision. I like Michigan State a lot, but I like Ohio State a lot, too. I
really like Coach Matta a lot. We've talked and he's a good guy. I like their
style of play," said Morgan.
"Ohio State plays a lot like we do at McKinley. After we won the
championship Saturday Night, I was thinking to myself that it would be neat to
play here all the time."
Raymar Morgan isn't just a great basketball player. As a sophomore, he was
listed in Ohio High magazine as one of the top wide receivers in the state. As
his basketball career took off, he gave up football, but not without a few
regrets.
"Oh yes, I really miss playing football. I think I could have been a
Randy Moss-type player, but I know I made the right choice," said Morgan.
Raymar Morgan is as nice a young man as he is a great basketball player. This
is typical of this Bulldog team, coached by Dave Hoover. With only one senior
starter, Sean Weatherspoon, the Bulldogs are clearly the favorite to win the
title again next year. Hoover, one of the top coaches in the state, will be
looking to win his third state title. He coached Westerville North to the
championship in 1994.
We also have a special look at Morgan's fine performance in this year's state
championship game, courtesy of the Ohio News Network. Morgan plays forward for
McKinley and wears No. 5. He shows an array of skills in these clips, including
his inside and outside game as well as some nifty defensive plays and passing.
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