The Weekly Ten With Darius Morris
11/2/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 2, 2009
Every Monday, MGoBlue.com's Brad Rudner and Scott Brimacombe will sit down with a different member associated with the Michigan men's basketball program for 10 questions in the "The Weekly Ten". Scott will come up with the questions and Brad will get the answers. This week, in the premiere installment, we sit down with freshman point guard Darius Morris to talk about the void at point guard, God, and his first-ever game at Crisler Arena.
Check back every Monday all season-long for more installments!
The big question on a lot of fans' minds is who the starting point guard will be. The void there is pretty big after C.J. [Lee] and David [Merritt] left...
10. "Me, Stu [Douglass] and Laval [Lucas-Perry] are all working at it. We understand how big the hole that those guys left is. All three of us are working really hard. Coach is going to pick whichever one he feels can run the system better. We can all contribute in different ways, but we'll just have to see as time goes on."
As a freshman, how comfortable do you feel in running Coach Beilein's system at this point?
9. "I feel pretty good, especially after being here in the summer. The upperclassmen have been helpful and I feel I'm ready to step into that role at the beginning of the season."
How do you figure your role will change this year as a freshman coming in, and especially with some pretty established players around you?
8. "I'm able to play my natural position, which is point guard, and just run the team. Now, I can lead the scorers, like Manny [Harris] and DeShawn [Sims]. I'm more in my comfort zone here and knowing I don't have to be the guy like I was in high school makes me even better at my position. I don't have to score every time down the floor, but if someone's in foul trouble and they need me to score points, I can adjust."
 | "I think I'm the only person in history to pull off a perfect score on their second dunk and lose..." |
Ann Arbor is a long way from L.A. Distance obviously wasn't a factor for you, but what made Michigan so appealing?
7. "It was a perfect opportunity. I felt that way and my parents felt that way. We prayed on it. Coach Beilein was the best coach that recruited me and he's won everywhere he's been. I also like to be a part of a rebuilding process and having the opportunity to turn things around even more. Anything is possible, especially at a school like Michigan. The name speaks for itself and they've got great tradition athletically."
Speaking of praying, you're a pretty religious person. What impact does your faith have on your everyday life?
6. "I go to church every Sunday when I'm at home. I'm still trying to find one here, but I pray as much as I can. My dad is on his way to being a Pastor and it's very important in our family."
You were also a pretty highly-regarded recruit. How did you stay grounded during the recruiting process?
5. "It was pretty easy, actually. You know, I was ranked pretty high, but I wasn't the highest. Obviously there were people out there that felt there were better players than me. I just have to keep working hard every day to show them that I am just as good, if not better, than those other guys."
Is there a certain game you have circled on your calendar?
4. "Not yet. They keep telling me, as time moves on, that you'll get invested in all these rivalries -- Ohio State, Michigan State, even Purdue. I'll say one big game I am looking forward to is No. 1 Kansas at Kansas. How can you not be excited for that? It is going to be a great challenge for us."
Were you disappointed you lost to Novak in the dunk contest at Michigan Madness?
3. "Not at all. I wish we could have done another dunk. I think I'm the only person in history to pull off a perfect score on their second dunk and lose, but he deserved it. That between-the-leg dunk was great, especially coming from Zack."
Is there a piece of advice from a parent, coach or mentor that's always stuck with you?
2. "My dad has a lot of wisdom and I listen to what he says a lot. Nothing will ever be given to you, but he told me, 'Before you can obtain something, you are going to have to get tested'. I value every time I get to that test, to be able to respond the right way and overcome it. Because once you overcome it, it feels like you are on top."
What's been the best part of college so far for you?
1. "It would have to be being around the team and being around the guys. It's a great mix. You're with the team most of the time because you really don't have time to do much else."
THE DOUBLE-BONUS
How will it feel for you to run out of that tunnel on Friday, on your own court and in front of your own fans?
"It's going to be an honor and something I'll cherish forever. But once I get on the floor, it's time to go to work."
