Morris likely headed to NBA Combine, future still uncertain
Iowa State junior guard Monte Morris blocks Virginia junior guard London Perrantes at the Sweet 16 at the United Center on March 25. Perrantes has played in seven NCAA Tournament games.
March 25, 2016
CHICAGO — Georges Niang, Abdel Nader and Jameel McKay will never play another game in an ISU uniform.
That much is certain.
But after No. 4 Iowa State (23-13) fell to No. 1 Virginia (30-7) 84-71 on Friday in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, the future of ISU point guard Monté Morris is uncertain, too.
Morris may forgo his senior session and declare for the NBA Draft, something some basketball analysts see as a good move.
“I’ll relax at first,” Morris said. “When the season is over with, after the Final Four and stuff, we’ll reevaluate my season and look where I’m standing and get some feedback. If it’s good feedback, then [we’ll] test the waters. If it’s [that there are] things that I can improve on and raise my stock, I wouldn’t have a problem coming back.”
ISU coach Steve Prohm said he wouldn’t rush the issue, but that he’ll help Morris decide when the time comes.
“I’ll give these guys [time] off until after the Final Four, and then I’ll sit down with him and we can talk,” Prohm said.
Morris said, along with Prohm, that his mother would play a huge factor in his decision, too.
“She’s going to be big with my decision, and the coaches for sure,” Morris said. “My mom is going to like my decision whether I come back or whether I go into the draft. I think it’s big on her and coach Prohm.”
The NCAA decided back in January to change its eligibility rules, something that many see as a smart move.
Those players who attend the NBA combine now have 10 days after the combine to remove their name from draft consideration and still retain their NCAA eligibility.
Because of the new rule, Morris said he might as well take advantage of the free advice from NBA scouts and coaches.
“With the new rule, everybody on our team should [go to the combine],” Morris said. “You can come back if you want. [You] get workouts with [NBA] teams. Most likely, I’ll go [to the combine].”
For now, it seems there are no answers as to whether Morris will take off for the NBA early or return to Iowa State for one final season. Fans can only wait and see.
