Markieff Morris Phoenix Suns basketball bio

Markieff Morris — #11 PF

Age: 22

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.

Birthday: Sept. 2, 1989

Height: 6-10

Weight: 245

Position: PF

Experience: Rookie

Draft: 2011, 13th overall by Phoenix

College: Kansas

2011-12 Salary: $1,919,160

College Stats
YR	TM	G	MIN	FG%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	TO	REB	AST	PTS
08-09	KU	35	15.6	.448	.188	.650	0.4	0.7	1.2	4.4	1.0	4.6
09-10	KU	36	17.6	.566	.526	.622	0.4	1.0	1.4	5.3	1.1	6.8
10-11	KU	38	24.4	.589	.424	.673	0.8	1.1	2.1	8.3	1.4	13.6

2011-12 Season Outlook: His first season in the NBA is likely to be a trial by fire for Markieff Morris. With the lockout-shortened 66-game schedule, front line depth is going to be a vital for the Suns’ playoff chances. Markieff will play a key role as he can play both the center and power forward positions.

Morris was drafted because the Suns loved his toughness, rebounding, and shooting ability. Markieff will need to assert himself like a veteran instead of a rookie if he hopes to be a quality rebounder and defender this season. His primary role will no doubt be as a backup to Channing Frye. Morris may have difficulty adjusting to the NBA three-point distance, especially with a truncated preseason. The quicker his range comes along, the more time on the floor he is likely to see as the “stretch 4” role will no doubt be a key to Phoenix’s offense this season.

Worst-case scenario: Markieff has a slow learning curve and plays 8-10 minutes per game to spell Frye at the power forward spot. Best-case scenario: He finds his range, asserts himself inside, and contributes right away to the tune of 20-24 minutes a game. – Ryan Weisert

Biography: Though Markieff Morris is seven minutes older and stands a little taller, his twin brother Marcus has always cast a shadow over him. When the Phoenix Suns took Markieff with the 13th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, one pick before the Rockets selected Marcus, they gave him the opportunity the stand apart from his brother and show his worth as a basketball player.

Markieff was a high school star in Philadelphia. He and his brother led Prep Charter High School to consecutive state championships in 2006 and 2007. Markieff averaged 16 points and 15 rebounds per game in his senior season before accepting a scholarship to play at Kansas. In his three years in Lawrence, Kan., the Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season title three times. Kansas also made three straight NCAA Tournament appearances including last year’s trip to the Elite 8. In his final year at Kansas, Markieff averaged 13.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He also shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on nearly three per game.

Links to ValleyoftheSuns coverage of Morris:

Markieff Morris’ early dominance as seen by advanced stats

Markieff Morris is the do-it-all defender

Markieff Morris under the microscope

Markieff Morris’ toughness, rebounding, shooting make him a nice fit for team he ‘always wanted’ to play for

What advanced stats say about Markieff Morris

Markieff Morris draft grades around the web