Wintrust Arena, CHICAGO -
Media from all over the world had just finished speaking to the Rising Star himself, Luka Doncic, on Rising Stars Practice Day.
Doncic won Rookie of the Year in 2019, but this year's top candidate for the award is Memphis Grizzlies Point Guard Ja Morant, who came strolling in and sat on the same podium after Doncic wrapped his interview session up.
Morant played in his first Rising Stars game, on Trae Young's Team USA.
Through the chaos and excitement stirring inside Wintrust that Friday morning, Morant quietly arrived to the podium in a black, Nike dry-fit long-sleeve that said "Rising Stars" on it, and sat down. I asked him, "Ja, what are you most excited for this weekend in Chicago?"
"Playing in the Rising Stars game tonight," Morant said. "I have two of my teammates in it. It's a special moment for all three of us-- and also the Grizzlies-- and we're looking to represent."
Those two teammates are Jaren Jackson Jr., on Team USA, and Canadian-born Brandon Clarke, on Team World.
Rising Stars is all about the NBA's young talent, so I asked Morant what his advice is to the kids that want to be like him when they grow up.
"Just keep pushing," said Morant. "Keep God first. Everything will play out."
Faith plays a big part of his career.
"It's just me believing in myself," said Morant. "And know that God has a plan for me, and the plan will come eventually."
That plan is definitely on the rise. Morant is having an incredible rookie season. He recently notched his first career triple-double over the Washington Wizards and led his rookie class heading into the All-Star break, averaging 17.6 points and 7.1 assists.
I asked him what he want's to achieve a year from now and Morant responded, "To be better than I was at the beginning of the season."
Being that Morant is a girl dad, like the late legend Kobe Bryant, I asked him how he balances being a great dad and a great basketball player.
"You know, just spending time with my family whenever I can. It's big, You never know when it's your time and I want to be there every step of the way."
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