pic credit Withita State athletics

Morris Udeze (203-F-1999, college: N.Mexico) is a 24 year old 203cm forward from Richmond, Texas playing his rookie season with King Szczecin (Poland-OBL). He began his basketball career at Montverde Academy in Florida. He then played at Wichita State (NCAA) from 2018-2022 averaging 10.3ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 61.1%, FT: 68.0% and 10.2ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 72.6% in his last 2 seasons. He then played one more season at University of New Mexico (NCAA) averaging 16.2ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 60.4%, FT: 62.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Thanks Morris for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I´m in Germany preparing for a BCL game.

Your playing your rookie season overseas with King Szczecin. What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you learned to appreciate the most about the country Poland?

The reception has been good in my rookie season. It has been a great experience so far. Everything is cheap especially the food. The food is good. I also have gotten to know a great bunch of guys on the team.

You already won your first chip with the Super Cup? Is there already something special about this team?

Winning the Super Cup was a good boost for our self-esteem. I think like we will have a good season. We have to take it one game at a time.

The club has some fine guard play with Dunn and Woodson and nice complimentary parts. What is exactly your role on the team?

They are good scoring guards. My role is just to play as hard as I can. I have to bring energy and do whatever it takes to help the team win.

What has it been like battling veteran Tony Meier on a daily basis. How has he helped you with vital tricks about the Euro game?

Tony is a good person. He plays hard and hits the 3 ball well. He is a good person to be around.

How vital has other veteran Zac Cuthbertson been? Has he been like a mentor for you in the early going?

He is a cool person. Yes he has been like a mentor for me like you said. He has helped me on the court and take me around the city. He has taken me under his wing.

You have needed no adjustment time tearing up the Polish first division. What do you feel has been your secret to being able to adapt so quickly?

I play hard and with energy. With energy I find the ball. I take that energy and just keep playing hard.

Let´s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 203cm forward that has been described as unorthodox. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I don´t compare my game to anyone. I just have my own style.

You’re a strong scorer and rebounder, but what other assets does your game incorporate?

I rebound the ball well and talk on defense.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I can guard positions 1-3. I want to become more vocal on defense.

You have never really developed a three pointer. Is that a goal of yours overseas?

I was just talking about that today. I want to develop that trey ball. I think having that in my bag would make me so much more dangerous.

You played at Wichita State University (NCAA) from 2018-2022. You reached the NIT Final 4 in 2019 as a freshman and NCAA tournament in 2021. Was that 53-52 loss to Drake the worst in your career?

I´m not going to lie. I would say so. We were pretty down after in the locker room. We had such a great group that year. That loss was tough.

How do you feel did you develop best under Wichita State University (NCAA) coach Gregg Marshall and Isaac Brown. What did each guy give you that helped your game most in your 4 years there?

They just taught me to never let your highs be too high and your lows to low. They taught me to always play hard and to always leave it on the floor. I also learned that it is important to accept criticism. Not all criticism is bad.

You opted for a 5th season at the University of New Mexico (NCAA) and broke free averaging 16.2ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 60.4%, FT: 62.0%. How did your game grow under Richard Pitino the son of Rick?

Coach Pitino was my guy. I always listened to him and played hard. He told me everything that was going to happen and it did. I have a lot of respect for him.

You had explosive games against N Colorado and SJSU, but what was your all-time favorite game there?

The San Jose game was good and I remember the crowd at UNLV as being huge. Even though we lost in the NIT, that was my favorite game. It was my last game. It was bitter sweet. I just enjoyed playing with those guys.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Josiah Allick?

I used to cook him everyday.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I can´t name 5. I played with too many great players.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore

Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, Hakeem, Tim Duncan and Dirk

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron James. He paved the way for the young guys.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

The original was great. I don´t think I have it in me to watch the sequel.

Thanks Morris for the chat.