24 December 2023 , 20:27
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Matt Morgan is the gift that keeps on giving for the London Lions this festive period.
The well-travelled guard is only a few years removed from college, but he’s earned a wealth of experience by using basketball to travel the world, playing in the G-League as well as European competition before landing in London. Now in his third year abroad, the guard has fully adapted from the G League and stateside college ball.
His transition to the British Basketball League could not have been smoother, and Morgan credits his time in France last season as a major reason why. Understanding the differences between basketball in the States and in Europe, Morgan excelled for Le Mans in the 2022/23 campaign, ultimately rivalling Victor Wembanyama for the MVP award even if he lost out to the phenom.
“France was definitely an eye opener to the athletes and the skill of Europe,” Morgan exclusively told Mirror Sport. “Obviously, I played in the same league as Victor Wembanyama, the first pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s the best player I’ve ever played against, and seeing how much talent is over there between him, Monaco and all the other great teams in the in the French league.
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“There’s not much difference between Europe and the G League in terms of skill; it’s more based around athleticism. The IQ level of young players over here, like the things that they understand and the systems that they've grown up playing in is far more advanced.
“They are exposed to high-level basketball at such a young age, and European physicality is unmatched. I don't know whether that's a product of how smart guys are and they know what they can get away with, or if that's just referees not calling anything. G league games last like three hours because it's free throw shooting all game, but over here you play through contact unless it's egregious.”
Last season, Morgan starred for Le Mans in the French Pro A league. His performances were widely recognised, earning him a place in the 2023 All-French League Team alongside Wembanyama, who has since taken the NBA by storm with the San Antonio Spurs .
Does this mean the NBA is sleeping on Morgan and other talent in Europe?
“You can look at it that way!” laughed Morgan. “Obviously, I’m not seven-foot-five, but it was an eye opener for me to be in the same league and play at a similarly high level to [Victor Wembanyama]. I talk to him every now and then; obviously he's doing his thing this year in the NBA, but being able to be on the same level as him last year was cool. The competition in games against one another definitely raised both of our games.
Matt Morgan brought his scintillating form from France to the United Kingdom, with the guard dominating the British Basketball League (British Basketball League)“I wanted to be MVP of the league, but if I was going to lose out to anybody, Wembanyama is a good guy to lose to. Just seeing his growth throughout the year was amazing.
“I don't look at it as the NBA sleeping on me; you just got to take it as an opportunity to play against the best. Obviously, the NBA remains a dream of mine but I think I'm doing a good job of building a name and a resume over here. I’m very comfortable with where I'm at in Europe right now.”
Morgan’s resume began being written at the hallowed grounds of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. In his first year of college, the American stacked up six Ivy League Rookie of the Week honours and as a sophomore, Morgan led the Ivy League in scoring.
He signed with the NBA champion Toronto Raptors in 2019, representing the franchise’s G-League affiliate Raptors 905 before turning his attention abroad. Time in Konyaspor and Le Mans preceded his move to London, where a number of different factors ultimately piqued his curiosity.
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“I'm going to get this out the way now: obviously, it’s an English speaking country so that was a big thing - not having to learn another language and translate everything!” Morgan lightheartedly admitted. “But I think just seeing what the Lions were building, and the team and the organisation they were putting together. I also had a good relationship with Ryan Schmidt, the former coach who coached me for two years in Toronto.
Just seeing how they dominated the BBL last year, winning the championship and making a name for themselves in the Euro Cup. We have so many weapons - it’s such a great feeling to have because it's a headache for everyone who has to play us. Once everyone's healthy, I think we'll get into a really good rhythm and keep dominating the way that we are.”
Morgan is certainly dominating. Thanks to his mesmerising sharpshooter ability, Morgan leads the British Basketball League in points per game (20.2), while he also leads the league in free throw percentage (87.3 percent) and is behind only teammate Conor Morgan in three-point percentage (45.0 percent).
When asked who he models his game on, Morgan - the British Basketball League's Player of the Month for October - quickly declared . It makes sense his game is inspired by the Golden State Warriors icon; a guard whose deep-shot and scoring ability is perhaps the best in his respective field.
“I don't know if that was kind of obvious from the way I play, but Steph Curry is definitely the guy that I modelled my game after,” Morgan said. “Just being able to shoot from anywhere on the court is definitely something I've tried to do since I was in middle school.
“He's my idol; being able to shoot, dribble, finish, everything that he can do. I just try to be be like him as much as I can, and as long as it's contributing to winning, I don't see a problem with me shooting a couple of crazy shots every now and then like he does .
Matt Morgan has become a fan favourite already for the London Lions (British Basketball League)“Our stories are kind of similar growing up: we’re smaller than everybody, so you had to know how to shoot the ball to even be on the court. As your height and athleticism catches up, you start adding different parts of your game.
“Also his dad was a big part in his growth and development, and my dad was the same being a high level basketball player at Georgetown. He taught me a lot of different things, but he wasn't the shooter that I am now. Sorry, Dad, if you see this.”
It is unknown whether Morgan’s father will accept his apology on Christmas Day. Such sentiment may not even be on the 26-year-old’s list, especially as he is already targetting all the silverware with the Lions.
Morgan wants to be a crucial member as the Lions defend their British Basketball League title, while he also hopes the team can host EuroCup playoff action at London’s Copper Box Arena. It’s been a long road for the guard to arrive in London; his journey taking him from North Carolina to the Big Smoke via New York, Toronto, Konya and Le Mans, and he is grateful for each and every opportunity basketball has offered him.
“I’ve learned to adapt,” Morgan added. “Coming to Europe to play with and learn from so many amazing players has helped me become the player I am now.”
To find out more about the British Basketball League visit: https://www.britishbasketballleague.com/