MEMPHIS - Several years ago, the idea of Ja Morant being selected No. 2 in the NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies wasn't on anyone's radar.
On Thursday night, the unlikely scenario became a reality.
"It was 'Wow,'" Morant said of the moment his name was called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. "I really couldn't believe it. Who would have thought I would be in this position three or four years ago?"
Memphis had only one pick in the draft, and the 6-foot-3 Morant appeared to be the Grizzlies' target almost as soon as the franchise got the second pick in the lottery. The predictions became more certain Wednesday when Memphis traded longtime point guard Mike Conley to the Utah Jazz for a trio of players, clearing a spot for Morant with the Grizzlies firmly in rebuilding mode.
Morant, unheralded out of high school in South Carolina before playing at Murray State, recognizes the restart situation for the franchise.
"Obviously, I know I have some big shoes to fill with Mike Conley," Morant said, "but I'm just excited. It just makes me happy to see that Memphis has trust in me and believes in me."
Morant was the spark plug for Murray State as the Racers won the Ohio Valley Conference tournament and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament in March.
His draft stock skyrocketed as he averaged 24.5 points last season - which ranked seventh in Division I in 2018-19- while also averaging 10 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. He became the first player to average 20 points and 10 assists since the NCAA began tracking assists in 1983-84.
Morant, 19, had three triple-doubles last season, including one against Marquette in the Racers' opening victory of the NCAA tournament. That earned him comparison to other NBA guards.
"I wouldn't compare my game to anybody," Morant said. "I feel like there's only one Ja, and that's me. I do see a lot of people comparing me to (Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell) Westbrook, De'Aaron Fox and some other players. But I just study different point guards.
"If I feel like they have something that I feel can help my game, that's what I take out of it."
Dressed in a lavender suit with white stripes and a chain adorned with "12" around his neck, Morant became slightly emotional as he talked about reaching this level of his basketball career with the help of his father.
Despite the comparisons and his reputation as a dynamic playmaker, Morant recognizes he still has a lot to learn.
"I'm just saying I still have a lot more to prove," he said. "I'm coming in trying to make an immediate impact with the Grizzlies and try to make a name for myself in this league.
"I feel like I still have room to improve on every aspect of my game. I'm never satisfied with anything."
Morant has the reputation as a smooth but explosive point guard with excellent floor vision. Questions about his defense may be attributed to the Racers' dependence on his offense and floor leadership, coupled with his extended minutes. Arthroscopic surgery earlier this month to clean up his right knee did not deter the Grizzlies, but the injury means he will not play in the summer league.
Still, by the start of the season, he expects to be ready.
"It feels good to be able to accomplish my dream," Morant said. "How I got here, it's crazy. It probably gives a lot people more confidence, and I'm just very excited."