Tyrel Morgan (196-F-2001, college: Texas St.) is a 196cm guard/forward from Georgia playing his rookie season overseas with Pro A team Kirchheim currently averaging 8,4ppg, 6,0rpg and 1,5apg.. He began his basketball career at Langston Hughes academy and then played 2 years at Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 78.3% and 15.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.0%. He then played at Texas State University at San Marcos (NCAA) from 2021-2025 playing a total of 82 games and in his last season averaged 13.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 66.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Tyrel for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season overseas in Germany with Kirchheim. Has a dream come true for you? Have you always wanted to be a pro?

Absolutely. Since I picked up a ball, the goal was to play at the highest level possible. So yeah, it’s a blessing. It’s not just about being a pro though, its about showing up every day and proving I belong. Being here in Germany, it’s a dream in motion, and I’m just getting started.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

Germany has a strong basketball culture. It’s competitive, structured, and respected. I’ve followed the league from afar, especially seeing guys like Dennis Schroeder and watching the national team win the World Cup. I know it’s a place where you can grow, compete, and earn respect if you put in the work.

Have you had any former teammates or opponents besides Tylan Pope play in Germany?

Yeah, I’ve had a few NCAA opponents make their way out here. It’s becoming a real pipeline. Once you get to know the grind and what it takes to stay consistent, a lot of guys realize Europe, and Germany in particular, is a great path to elevate your career.

What were the main reasons for joining the Knights. Did you get that impression that they didn’t just want you, but really really wanted you? That was apparent in the press release.

From the first conversation, it was clear this wasn’t just about filling a spot. Coach Perovic saw me as a piece they could build with, not just use. That belief? That mutual respect? That sealed it for me. I felt seen. That goes a long way.

How did the talks go with head coach Igor Perovic? How rapidly did you notice that he is a players coach and what did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Coach Perovic keeps it real. He listens, he teaches, and he holds you accountable, all in one. Right away I felt that. He wants you to play free, but within purpose. That trust? That balance? It’s what you want as a player. He builds winners not robots.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a player that can do so much. How big is versatility in your game?

Versatility is everything. That’s my edge. I take pride in being the guy who can score, rebound, facilitate, and lock up defensively, whatever the game demands. If I can guard multiple positions and impact both ends, I’m valuable every minute I’m on the floor.

Last season Cam Henry was the Knights Swiss army knife. Could you have that role this season?

That’s exactly how I see my role, the guy who plugs in wherever we need an advantage. Whether it’s scoring in stretches, making hustle plays, or guarding the toughest matchup, I’m ready to be that guy. Cam set a blueprint, now it’s on me to elevate that.

Let’s talk about your offensive game. Your shooting really stands out, but what other assets does your offensive game have?

I can stretch the floor, but that’s just the surface. I’m effective off the dribble, I see the floor well for a forward, and I know how to find mismatches. Whether it’s in the post, transition, or pick-and-roll actions, I know how to make the right play.

Your also an incredible defender. Is the term 2 way player accurate? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

Absolutely. That label fits. I take just as much pride in a stop as I do a bucket. I’m long, I move well laterally, and I anticipate. But I’m still hungry to become an elite defender, one who can shift momentum just by showing up on that end of the floor.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

My handle and footwork, especially in tight spaces, and continuing to raise my free throw percentage. At this level, small details separate good from great. I’m committed to getting sharper every day.

You played at Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 78.3% and 15.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.0%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a tough grind but an experience they wouldn’t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

Tough. Gritty. Humbling. But I wouldn’t trade it. JUCO forces you to find out who you really are. I learned how to lead, how to grind when nobody’s watching, and how to keep my vision clear when there’s noise all around.

What memories do you have of the great 2021 JUCO run reaching the Elite 8. What was so special about this run?

That run was special. We had a chip on our shoulder. We weren’t just talented, we were connected. Every win was earned, and we believed in each other. That experience taught me how far chemistry and resilience can take a team.

How vital was Donnie Jackson for your early basketball development? How did he help shape your game in the early going?

If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Coach Jackson laid the foundation. He challenged me early, pushed me beyond my comfort zone. He believed in me before I fully believed in myself. That type of coach changes your life, not just your game.

You then played at Texas State University at San Marcos (NCAA)from 2021-2025. Here you were able to develop your game further despite having a tough injury in 2023-204. What steps did your game make in these years?
I grew in every phase, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I learned how to handle adversity, especially during my injury. I became more efficient, more mature, and more locked in on the little things that translate to winning basketball.

You had many great games in the NCAA, but where does your 27 points in the 83-80 win over Princeton rate?

It’s up there. Not just because of the numbers, but the context. That was a team win, a big-time opponent, and I felt locked in. Moments like that are reminders, I can rise to any level if I stay locked in.

How is your bond to Tylan Pope? You were teammates last season and now teammates again overseas. What do you appreciate most about him?

That’s my brother. On and off the court, we push each other. Having him overseas with me now? That’s a blessing. We know each other’s tendencies, we hold each other accountable, and we’re both chasing something bigger.

How did head coach Terrence Johnson groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach TJ taught me discipline and detail. He emphasized preparation and mental toughness. Under him, I learned how to be a pro before actually becoming one.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tylan Pope?

Let’s call it even for now. But I’ll say this, every matchup made us better. It was never just for bragging rights. It was iron sharpening iron.

Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?

There’ve been a few, but one that stands out is [insert player if you want – or just say]: someone who brought it every possession, no plays off. The ones who make the league? It’s that mindset more than the talent.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tylan Pope (TXST)
Jaden Ray (NOC/JUCO)
Nighael Ceasar (TXST)
Isiah Small (TXST)
Caleb Asberry (TXST)
They all brought something unique to the game and made the team better.

Please list your personal NBA, German and Serbian Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

NBA: LeBron, Jordan, Kobe, Durant
German: Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Tibor Pleiss, Franz Wagner
Serbian: Nikola Jokic, Peja Stojakovic, Dejan Bodiroga, Bogdan Bogdanovic

Who is your Goat?

My mother LaToya Spencer is my goat, all the support and sacrifices she has made for me and my brothers is unmatched.

Did you see the sequel to the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

Yeah, I saw it. I’ll just say the original is untouchable. Some things are classics for a reason. No need to remix perfection.Thanks Tyrel for the chat