Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

HH Draft Profile: Monte Morris

By Alex Eddy

Mar 3, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Monte Morris (11) looks to pass the ball while guarded by West Virginia Mountaineers guard Tarik Phillip (12) during the second half at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Monte Morris (11) looks to pass the ball while guarded by West Virginia Mountaineers guard Tarik Phillip (12) during the second half at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Hardwood Houdini Draft Profiles

Monte Morris: Iowa State, PG

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 175 pounds

Age: 21

Click on the name for up to date stats: Monte Morris

Strengths

Running the Offense:

Morris has been a cornerstone piece to the Iowa State basketball program for four years now. The all-time assists leader in Iowa State basketball history has been the epitome of efficiency when it comes to the point guard position. To no surprise, he is at the top of the assist-to-turnover ratio chart once again this season at 6.21. He was number one in the country for this category in 2014 and 2015. Morris just knows how to run the offense and knows how to make plays for his teammates. He can make plays for himself as well, but he prefers to make plays for others.

Experience:

Morris has practically been a four year starter in Ames. He started his freshman year on the bench, but ultimately took over the starting point guard role, and never looked back since. Morris has been a part of many big games over his incredible college career. Every season, he is always talked about as one of the best point guards in the country. Morris has played over 1,000 minutes in each of his four seasons. He has an incredible amount of success and winning experience under his belt.

Feb 11, 2017; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Monte Morris (11) drives the ball toward the basket while being guarded by Oklahoma Sooners guard Kameron McGusty (20) in the first half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Rachel Mummey-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Monte Morris (11) drives the ball toward the basket while being guarded by Oklahoma Sooners guard Kameron McGusty (20) in the first half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Rachel Mummey-USA TODAY Sports /

Weaknesses

Athleticism:

Unlike the freshman phenom point guards in this incredible draft class, Morris does not have a lot of athleticism to bring to the table. His lack of athleticism and explosiveness, along with his small frame, will not make him as attractive as the other point guards in this draft.

Upside:

When it comes to the discussion of upside and potential, Morris is not a name that will be talked about. We have already seen the entire package of Morris. We know what we are getting. He is not the type of point guard that will be a superstar at the next level.

Next: Second Round Steal: Nigel Hayes

Overview

Ames is going to miss a good one. A true floor general and leader, Morris has been a fantastic four year point guard at the college level. I think he can be a better version of a T.J. McConnell in the NBA. Someone who can run the offense right away, and can make plays for teammates. Teams aren’t going to salivate over him like they will with other point guards in this draft because we have already seen the best of his game. I think he will be very good back up point guard, and I see him being selected in the late first round to early second round depending on how he can finish out his college career.