North Charlotte Today

Matt Morgan, a Concord native and seasoned basketball player, is embracing his role as a veteran in the Summer League. His journey has taken him from playing for his hometown team to international courts, gathering experiences that he now shares with younger players.

Morgan first noticed the potential of his current Summer League teammate Tidjane Salaün during a preseason game between Morgan's London Lions and Salaün’s Cholet Basket. Despite an ankle injury limiting his playtime, Morgan was impressed by Salaün's defensive skills. "I told my teammates after that game, 'He’s going to be a really good player,'" said Morgan.

Morgan's background includes a strong family connection to basketball. His father, Lamont Morgan, played at Georgetown University alongside notable figures like Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning. All three of Matt's younger brothers have also played collegiate basketball.

During high school at Cox Mill, Morgan competed against Leaky Black from Concord High School. Reflecting on their shared history, Morgan expressed happiness about finally being on the same team as Black. "I’ve known Leaky since he was little," he stated.

Despite his talent in high school, only Cornell University offered him a Division I spot. Recalling this opportunity, Morgan said, "I knew I was a Division I player... it was one of the best schools in the world."

At Cornell, Morgan led the Ivy League in scoring for four seasons and earned multiple All-Ivy League honors. Although undrafted into the NBA after college, he joined Toronto for Summer League play and later spent two seasons with Raptors 905 in the G League.

Morgan's professional career extended overseas with teams in Turkey and France before joining London's British Basketball League team last year. He helped lead Konyaspor to promotion in Turkey and finished second in MVP voting while playing for Le Mans in France.

Now back in Las Vegas with Charlotte's Summer League team, Morgan values his role as a mentor to emerging players like Tidjane Salaün and Nick Smith Jr. "You never want to get down on yourself because they’re always watching," he advised.

Reflecting on his international experience and return home, Morgan said: "Playing overseas has been a great experience... just being able to represent my friends, my family... it’s been really special."