2017 Watch List: Monte Morris

Monte Morris, Senior, Iowa State, Guard, 6’3, 175

(2015-16, 38.0 mpg) 13.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.9 apg, 1.8 spg, 1.6 tpg

48.7 FG%, 72.9 FT%, 35.8 3FG%, 56.1 TS%, 53.6 eFG%

18.4 USG%, 28.9 AST%, 11.7 TOV%, 2.6 STL%, 4.2:1 A/TO

DOB: 6/27/1995 (21) Hometown: Flint, Michigan

2015-16 All-Big 12 Second Team

Finalist – Bob Cousy Award (Top Point Guard)

The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season

There has not been a steadier point guard over the past three years than Morris, who has led the Cyclones since stepping foot on campus. It all starts with the pick-and-roll for Morris, who has proven to be one of the best decision-makers and passers in college basketball, though he has steadily improved in almost all areas the past three seasons. Morris is a capable shooter out of the pick-and-roll, showing more consistency from mid- and long-range. Though he has decent size at 6’3, he doesn’t have a very quick shooting motion or release, so he needs to make sure he gets space and time for this shot, which he does well. Morris has also improved as a spot shooter from long-range, though he seems much more comfortable right now shooting off the dribble.

Morris is an excellent ballhandler, able to use his left and right very well, and having strong crossover and hesitation dribbles. He is able to attack the basket well in either direction, and has the ability to finish with either hand around the rim. While Morris doesn’t have great speed, he has a good first step off the dribble, and he accelerates well off of screens, forcing defenders to rotate quickly. He is very deliberate about what he wants to do when he attacks the basket, and has shown very good body control as he maneuvers his way. Morris can have trouble finishing around the rim versus rim protectors and/or long defenders, and while his floater/short jumper have improved a bit, he still needs it to become a more reliable shot, especially for the next level.

What makes Morris special is his ability to not only get his team into their offense quickly every time down the floor, but to make excellent decisions, often in a fast-paced system. As mentioned, he is at his best as a pick-and-roll ballhandler, doing an excellent job making his reads quickly and making the right choices. There’s nothing flashy about Morris’ ballhandling or passing, but his ability to put pressure on the defense leads to plenty of open teammates. He has turned the ball over just 123 times in three seasons, almost 3500 minutes of play, and has a fantastic career 4.5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Morris is just as effective in transition, and often thrives off the faster pace. He does a great job getting the ball up the floor quickly, seeing all his options, and making decisive decisions. Morris does have good speed in the open floor, and he can be tough to beat to the rim if he gets out quickly on the break. He can also be an effective scorer when running the lanes, or using his ability to draw defenders to open up large chunks of floor for his teammates making their way down.

Morris has shown improvement as a defensive rebounder over the past few seasons, especially with his ability to track shots, and getting into position quickly, knowing that if he can get his hands on the ball, the team is ready to move in transition. Morris doesn’t get to the free throw line all that often, averaging between two and three attempts each game, but he is fairly reliable, and wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.

Defensively, Morris has improved every season, though he still has a lot of work to do to become an above-average defender. He does a good job with his positioning, on and off the ball, though his lateral movement, reaction times, and ability to change directions, all need improvement. Also, his effort needs to be more consistent, especially at the point of attack. Morris is much better off the ball, showing the ability to pressure and deny passing lanes, as well as great instincts in looking to make a play on the ball. He can have a knack for being in the right place at the right time, but he also has a tendency to become focused on the ball, losing sight of his man for a bit.

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What he needs to show this season

The Cyclones lose three key players in Georges Niang, Jameel McKay, and Abdel Nader, so Morris will need to get used to a lot of players getting more court time, though with Morris leading the way, the offense should still run smoothly. Morris needs to show more on the defensive end this season, especially the ability to contain on the perimeter. He has had some stretches of good defensive play, but the consistency and effort aren’t always there. The physical aspects, foot speed, movement, getting through screens, etc., are all things Morris can improve with some work.

On the offensive end, Morris may need to increase his scoring load even more. The improvement in his perimeter shooting has helped him, but he now needs to take the next step and work on tightening up his mechanics, allowing him to get into his motion and release quicker. Also, he should look to be more aggressive attacking the basket, especially out of the pick-and-roll, where his ability to make quick reads gives him an advantage. At just 175 pounds, Morris will need to add some weight and strength for the next level, but he has shown that he isn’t afraid of some contact.

Where he fits at the next level

The talk early on this draft cycle is about the slew of freshmen guards who could be available next June, but to be realistic, there’s a good chance that a few of those hyped freshmen will never be as good as Morris is right now, and he still has plenty of room to improve his game. Morris’ ability to create in the pick-and-roll will translate well to the NBA level, and if he can continue to improve his jumper, he could find himself earning quick playing time. I’d like to see him put more effort in on the defensive end, but it’s his playmaking abilities that have got him noticed, and that’s what will carry him to the next level.

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