Zion Morgan to Valpo

Top wings in the state of Illinois continue to fly off the board.  The latest is Kenwood 2016 shooting guard Zion Morgan who informed PrepHoopsIllinois he has given his commitment to attend Valparaiso on Friday.  Morgan broke down why Valpo was his choice with us.“I really like how Valpo is an elite mid-major that is on the come up and Coach Bryce Drew feels I can be a key piece to the team as a freshman.  I want to be a part of something special and start and continue my own tradition.  Not follow in somebody else’s footstep.  Coach Drew also believes in me and says that if I work hard and trust him I could be a future pro and I really respect him for that.” The athletic wing spoke about how his game will fit in with his new squad. “I think my game fits perfectly at Valpo.  Screen and roll offense, high tempo on the court at all times, and full court defensive pressure.” Morgan talked about his relationship with the coaching staff. “I look up to Coach Drew because he has been everywhere that I want to go.  I like his honesty and his passion for the game of basketball.  Coach Powell is also a great coach.  He’s very energetic and teaches the game well.” Head Coach Bryce Drew and assistant coaches Roger Powell, Matt Lottich, and Luke Gore have done a tremendous job over the last few years building their program with Illinois talent which continues with the addition of Morgan.  The success that Valparaiso has had with multiple Illinois prep standouts on their roster in Keith Carter, Darien Walker, Lexus Williams, Jubril Adekoya, and Alec Peters is noticeable. Did seeing their success play a factor in his choice? “I have a good relationship with those players, but what stood out to me the most about his recruiting is that he said he recruits kids that are diamonds in the rough.  He said he recruits kids that he feels the high major schools are missing out on.  I have a pretty good relationship with their whole team, but I’m the closest with Jubril, Lexus, Shane, and Keith.” Valpo also has an offer out to Morgan’s teammate at Kenwood Nick Robinson. “I wouldn’t mind if Nick came with me.  I hope he makes the best decision for him just like I am.  I may have to recruit him though!” Morgan is ready to prove from day one how good he can be at the college level. “When I get to campus I just want to prove everybody wrong that ever doubted me.  Valpo was the perfect place for me to prove that.” The 6’4” shooting guard has long arms and a projectable frame.  When he is in attack mode he can be difficult to contain.  Morgan displays great handles and gets in the lane with ease slashing well to the hoop where he finishes at the rim.  Projects as a plus defender that can guard multiple positions.  He played with All-In/Young & Reckless 17U on the travel team circuit.  Morgan ranks as the #14 overall prospect in the class of 2016 and #5 shooting guard. Next up for Morgan is a big senior campaign at Kenwood where he says he has something to prove and is going to be coming after everybody as he teams up with Robinson and highly touted junior post Manny Patterson to give them the core of a team that could make a deep run in March!