Morris Quietly Assumes Role Of Go-To Guy
10/25/1999 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Oct. 25, 1999
GREENSBORO -- He is The Man now.
There is no Steve Francis or Laron Profit -- shot-happy former teammates -- for him to nudge into the spotlight. And his considerable gifts, unmatched by anyone in college basketball, no longer can be hidden behind the exploits of talented teammates who have gotten more attention and more hype.
No, Maryland is Terence Morris's team now. Whether he likes it or not.
Morris, the 6-foot-9 forward for Maryland, is the best player in the ACC, with no one even close. He could be rich right now, but he turned the NBA down to be a college junior. More impressive, the 20-year-old Morris stayed in school despite having a legitimate reason to leave early -- six younger brothers and sisters and a mother who has spent more than her share of time at work.
And you thought today's college athlete was selfish and money-hungry.
``Terence is one person (who) appreciates the moment,'' Maryland coach Gary Williams said. ``A lot of players live to play in the NBA, even though they're playing in college at the time. I think he's very comfortable on campus. In other words, Terence does not really enjoy going into new situations. He never played AAU. He was pretty sheltered. This is not typical of some other guys.''
His play is not typical of other guys, either. With his size, he was the Terps' best three-point shooter last season and led the team in rebounding. He is one of the top shot-blockers in the nation, and does it without a hint of trash talk. He always is focused, and he emits an aura that seems to imply he is above talking smack with players who clearly are not his equal.
But Morris always has been in control. He has been that way since sixth grade, when his parents divorced and his mother, Roxanne Bright, became a single-parent. His four younger brothers and two sisters became a major part of his responsibility. Terence did the cooking, the cleaning and much of the disciplining. As a teen-ager, he was more of a father figure than a big brother.
So when it came time to pick a college, naturally he chose Maryland, which was not far from his Frederick, Md., home. There was no way he was going to be far from his family. The one he helped build.
``I care about my brothers and sister so much,'' Morris said. ``They mean more to me than anything else (good) that could happen to me.''
So, in many ways, he plays for them. He plays hard to set a good example, and does it in a modest fashion to teach an unspoken lesson of sportsmanship. He is trying to teach a further example, saying that he plans to stay in college until he has earned a degree, but with his situation, you can't blame him if he bolts for NBA money.
The pro scouts notice Morris's ability. And he is so good but so quiet as he proves it, that many people do not know the magic of Morris.
Here's how inconspicuous Morris has been. In its preseason publication, one magazine had a cover featuring Morris as one of the country's top players. Problem was, instead of Morris on the cover, there was a picture of teammate Juan Dixon -- with Morris' name beside it.
Now, Morris finally is being a little selfish, he wants to be ACC player of the year.
"It's important,'' he said softly as he looked toward the floor. ``Being named player of the year in the conference is a big thing. I don't feel I'm The Man until the award is done.''
And then, after you take inventory of Terence Morris once more, you know: He has been The Man for quite some time.
By C. JEMAL HORTON
Charlotte Observer
Staff Writer
