I remember watching Moses Morgan during his early days and thinking, "This kid has something special." His basketball journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and as someone who's followed his career closely, I've noticed how his development mirrors what we're seeing with players like Gojo Cruz in the collegiate scene. When I first saw Morgan play back in his high school days at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, you could already see the raw talent that would eventually make him a standout player at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Morgan's scoring ability has always been his calling card - that sweet shooting stroke from beyond the arc that could change games in an instant. But what really impressed me was watching his game evolve. He wasn't content being just a scorer, much like how we're seeing Gojo Cruz expand his role in his second year under coach Olsen Racela. I've always believed that the true mark of a player's growth isn't just in their offensive numbers but in how they embrace defensive challenges. Morgan understood this early on, developing into a two-way player who could impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Looking at his college career at DePaul University, Morgan appeared in 94 games across three seasons, averaging around 7.8 points per game while shooting 34% from three-point range. Those numbers don't jump off the page, but anyone who watched him play knew he was building toward something greater. His decision to transfer to California State University, Fullerton for his senior year showed me he was serious about finding the right fit to showcase his complete skill set. That move paid dividends - he started 28 of 29 games, averaging 11.3 points and proving he could be a reliable option night in and night out.
What really stands out in Morgan's professional journey is how he adapted to different leagues and playing styles. After going undrafted in 2014, he didn't let that deter him. Instead, he took his talents overseas, playing in countries like Germany, Finland, and most recently, Uruguay. I've always admired players who take the road less traveled - there's something special about athletes who are willing to embrace different cultures while pursuing their basketball dreams. In the German ProA league, he put up solid numbers, averaging approximately 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, showing he could compete at a high level against professional competition.
The parallel between Morgan's development and what we're seeing with Gojo Cruz is striking. Cruz, now in his second year, has seen his responsibilities expand dramatically under coach Racela. No longer just a scorer, he's being tasked with defending the opposing team's best player - something Morgan had to learn throughout his career. In Cruz's first two games, he took on the challenge of guarding San Sebastian's Paeng Are and Lyceum's Villegas, and both resulted in wins for the Altas. This defensive commitment is exactly what separates good players from great ones, and it's a lesson Morgan learned well during his journey.
I've always been particularly impressed with how Morgan handled the transition from college star to professional role player. It's not an easy adjustment - going from being the primary option to sometimes being the fourth or fifth option requires mental toughness and basketball IQ. Morgan developed into what coaches love: a 3-and-D specialist who could space the floor with his shooting while holding his own defensively. His career three-point percentage of approximately 37% across all professional leagues demonstrates his consistency from deep, while his defensive rating of around 102.3 shows he was more than capable on that end of the floor.
What many casual fans might not appreciate is the grind of playing overseas - the unfamiliar cities, different styles of play, and constant adjustments required. Morgan played for at least six different professional teams across four countries, and each stop required him to adapt quickly. I remember watching footage of his games in Finland where he averaged 16.8 points per game, showing he could be a primary scoring option when needed. Then he'd go to Germany and embrace more of a complementary role, proving his versatility and team-first mentality.
The evolution of players like Morgan and Cruz highlights an important trend in modern basketball: the value of two-way players. In today's game, being able to contribute on both ends is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity. Morgan understood this, working tirelessly on his defensive fundamentals while maintaining his shooting touch. Cruz is learning this lesson now, embracing his expanded defensive responsibilities while maintaining his scoring output. It's this complete approach to the game that often determines which players have longevity in their careers.
Reflecting on Morgan's career highlights, several moments stand out. His 28-point performance against St. John's in 2012 showcased his scoring explosion capability. His game-winning three-pointer against Seton Hall demonstrated his clutch gene. But what I find most impressive are the less glamorous aspects of his game - the defensive stops, the smart passes, the off-ball movement that doesn't show up in highlight reels but wins games. These are the same qualities we're beginning to see in Cruz as he develops under Racela's guidance.
Morgan's journey teaches us that success in basketball isn't always linear. There were setbacks - going undrafted, dealing with injuries, adapting to new teams and systems. But through it all, he maintained his love for the game and continued working on his craft. Now at 31 years old, he's built a respectable professional career through perseverance and continuous improvement. His story serves as inspiration for young players like Cruz who are just beginning to understand what it takes to succeed at higher levels of competition.
Having watched hundreds of players develop over the years, I've come to appreciate stories like Morgan's more than the one-and-done superstars. There's something authentic about the grind, about earning every opportunity through hard work and adaptability. Morgan may not have become an NBA superstar, but he built a sustainable professional career doing what he loves - and that's a success story worth celebrating. As Cruz continues his development, he would do well to study players like Morgan who understood that basketball excellence requires growth in all aspects of the game, not just scoring. The true measure of a player isn't just in their highlight reel dunks or three-pointers, but in their willingness to do whatever it takes to help their team win - whether that's scoring 20 points or locking down the opponent's best player.