Tee Morant: How Tee Morant’s PR Strategy Elevated Ja Morant’s Brand

On: April 4, 2025 2:23 AM

Tee Morant: born on November 15, 1978, is the father of NBA star Ja Morant. He played high school basketball at Hillcrest High School in South Carolina, where he was teammates with Hall of Famer Ray Allen. Tee later attended Claflin University, pursuing a basketball career, but chose to focus on family after Ja’s birth in 1999, working as a barber in Sumter, South Carolina. He has been a dedicated coach and supporter of his son’s basketball journey, often seen courtside at Ja’s games.

Tee Morant: The Proud Father Behind Ja Morant’s NBA Success

If you’re an NBA fan, you’ve likely heard of Ja Morant, the electrifying point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies.
But behind every great athlete is a supportive family, and for Ja, that’s where Tee Morant comes in.
Tee isn’t just “Ja’s dad”—he’s a key figure in his son’s journey to stardom,
a proud father who’s become a symbol of dedication and black fatherhood.
In this human-friendly and SEO-optimized blog post, we’ll explore who Tee Morant is,
his role in Ja’s rise, and why his story resonates with so many in 2025. Let’s get started!

Who Is Tee Morant?

Tee Morant is the father of NBA superstar Ja Morant, born Temetrius Jamel Morant on August 10, 1999.
Hailing from Dalzell, South Carolina, Tee was a talented basketball player himself, starring at Hillcrest High School and later playing
college ball at Claflin University. Though his own hoop dreams didn’t take him to the NBA,
Tee channeled that passion into raising Ja, coaching him from a young age and instilling the grit that defines his game today.

Now a familiar face courtside at Grizzlies games,
Tee’s infectious energy and unwavering support have made him a fan favorite.
But his story goes beyond basketball—it’s about family, sacrifice, and breaking stereotypes.

From Backyard Drills to NBA Dreams

Tee Morant’s influence on Ja started early. Growing up in South Carolina,
Ja trained relentlessly with his dad, often in their backyard on a makeshift court.
Tee, a former point guard, taught Ja the fundamentals—dribbling, shooting, and that fearless mentality that’s now his trademark.
In a 2019 Andscape roundtable, Tee shared how those moments weren’t just about basketball:
“It wasn’t just ‘look, I’m Ja’s dad.’ It was ‘we made it, as a unit.’”

That unity paid off when Ja was drafted second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019.
For Tee, seeing his son step onto the NBA stage was a proud moment—not just for their family,
but as a positive example of black fatherhood for the world to see. Alongside Ja’s mom, Jamie,
Tee built a tight-knit support system that’s been key to Ja’s success, from Rookie of the Year honors in 2020 to All-Star status and beyond.

Tee Morant: More Than Just a Sideline Cheerleader

#Tee isn’t one to stay quiet during games. Known for his animated reactions and playful trash talk,
he’s become a fixture at Grizzlies matchups, often stealing the show with his enthusiasm.
Whether he’s hyping up Ja’s jaw-dropping dunks or chirping at opponents (like that famous 2022 exchange with Draymond Green),
Tee brings a contagious energy that fans love.

But his role goes deeper. Tee’s been a mentor and motivator, pushing Ja through setbacks—
like injuries or tough playoff losses—and celebrating every milestone. In 2025,
as Ja continues to shine as one of the NBA’s brightest stars,
Tee’s presence reminds us that behind the highlights is a father who’s been there every step of the way.

Breaking Stereotypes and Inspiring Others

What makes Tee Morant’s story so powerful? It’s his commitment to family in a world
where positive images of black fathers aren’t always front and center.
Tee’s pride in Ja’s achievements isn’t just personal—it’s a statement.
As he told Andscape, seeing Ja get drafted was about showing
“a positive image of black fatherhood to the world.”

This resonates in 2025, a time when representation matters more than ever.
Tee’s hands-on approach—coaching, cheering, and staying involved—
challenges outdated narratives and inspires other parents to invest in their kids’ dreams, whether on the court or off.

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