Some say a mother’s love for her children is unparalleled in this world; responsibility and sacrifice are inherent in the role of a mother.
The family typically turns to her for love and support because she is their rock, the glue that keeps everything together. Meet the mother of the Grizzlies superstar guard Ja Morant.
For Jamie Morant, her family is her everything.
“Denzel Washington once said, ‘A mother is a son’s first true love. A son, especially their first son, is a mother’s last true love,’” Jamie says with tears. “Ja is definitely that for me. He changed my life in many ways, while not even knowing it.”
Jamie was also quite the athlete. She was a point guard in basketball and a utility player in softball during her college career. She believes Ja’s athleticism comes from her as he followed in her footsteps as a point guard.
“Most people think he gets his athletic skills from his dad, but everything besides the dunking is all me,” Jamie says with a laugh. “Being a point guard and playing certain positions I played in softball — you have to be the team leader, love what you’re doing, and be mentally tough because everything will fall on you.”
Jamie doesn’t have the visibility as her husband Tee Morant but she’s at Grizzlies home games supporting her son. “I may not be in the spotlight like Tee, but best believe do something to my kids and you will meet mama,” she says sternly. “I do not play about my kids!”
“As a mother, I instilled the basic principles of being a great person to my kids,” Jamie says. “Be polite, respectful, don’t see color, focus on your education, set goals and focus on them, work hard for what you want,” she says. “Give to others.”
She continues, “But as a parent all we can do is hope that they carry that info along with them throughout their life’s journey.”
Jamie became pregnant with Ja while she was in college and gave birth to him months after she graduated from then Claflin College, now Claflin University with a BS in Biology.
She recently spoke to the Flyer in a wide-ranging interview about her son Ja and her family.
Memphis Flyer: What was Ja like growing up?
Jamie Morant: Ja was your typical boy growing up. He loved basketball, of course, but he also wanted to play football and baseball. Which makes sense because he comes from an athletic family on both sides. He also loved to dance and would entertain anyone with his signature Michael Jackson and Usher moves.
The adage goes: If you love Memphis, it will love you back. Why do you think Memphis and Ja fit so perfectly?
I will say this: “If you love Ja, he will love you back.” My son is truly a genuinely loving person, and Memphis reminds us a lot of home, so it was a great fit for all of us. We love the people and how they welcomed us and continue to embrace us.
Early on, when did you realize he had such a high basketball IQ?
It was as soon as he could hold and dribble a ball. He always was different on the court and had no fear of anyone or their size.
Your daughter Teniya plays basketball. How does she compare to Ja and how do they differ?
Their mentality and love for the game are the same, but, as a parent, I make it a point to not compare my kids. They are two different individuals and that’s how I see and encourage them. God created no two people alike and I want them to always strive to be the best versions of themselves and not feel inferior to anyone.
Your family is a close-knit group. How are you all making it easy for Ja as he is on his NBA journey?
From day one, we said the only thing Ja needs to worry about is his job, nothing else. Make sure he has as little stress as possible. So when we are home, there’s a lot of laughter. Ja is very silly and loves to laugh and be around family. I think most people would be surprised. We cook a lot and usually there’s a steady flow of family and friends new and old in our house. Definitely a lot of fun and love.
Ja says you instilled in him, he’s “beneath no one.” Where did that come from?
The “Beneath No One” came about when Ja was in high school and not getting any college offers but was going up against some of the “top” players in the state, scoring like 30-plus points and winning. attending elite camps, etc., and still nothing. It started to discourage him, so one day I said, “Son, at the end of the day the pressure is on these other players and not you. Play your game, you know what you can do, and guess what, you’re beneath no one!”
Whether it’s Memphis; Dalzell, South Carolina; or Murray, Kentucky, Ja is always giving back. Why is that important to you and your family?
Giving back is very important and Ja has always seen us give back. Our home in South Carolina was always open to many and we treated them all as our own. They would play basketball and then we would put food on the grill. It’s all a part of mentoring our youth and giving them a safe place to be and not in the streets. I honestly believe that’s how our family is in this position now. Bless others, and be blessed!
How is it watching Kaari, (Ja’s daughter) grow up?
She is such a joy and she reminds us so much of Ja at that age. She is quite the entertainer as many have seen at the games and is just so lovable. Kaari totally has all of our hearts but especially, Jama’s.
Ja once said that you are his best friend and that you taught him to celebrate women every day, that he carries with him in his treatment of his sister, his daughter, and other women. Why was it important to you to teach that to him?
Treating everyone with respect is important, but as a man you should treat women with the utmost respect. I mean, you came from a woman, right? We see enough of the opposite in the world and I wanted more for my son. He truly has a heart of gold and is very protective of the women in his life. He is a truly protective big brother and I know Niya wishes he and his dad would relax a little. [laughs]
Men’s sports has the most notoriety and strides have been made to give women’s sports more visibility, but it is not enough. Do you believe that will soon change in the age of social media? Why is it important for you and your family to support women in sports?
Yes, I believe that social media is good for the visibility of women’s sports. As a woman that has a daughter and now granddaughter, I want them to have better opportunities as a woman. We have been underrated, underpaid, and overlooked way too long. We will always support women in sports and fight for them to get paid what they deserve!
I ask every woman this, what do you do for self care?
It took me a long time to understand that self care is very important, because I’m so used to making sure my kids and everything in the household is straight. These past few years I’ve learned to focus on myself to maintain my peace and mentality. So I read books on self care and affirmations, journal, pamper myself, and relax on my back porch watching the waterfall and just enjoy nature.
