Ronnie Morgan, Jr.

SUMG · July 12, 2005

For those who don't know (weren't around then)...back in '88 when we went to the NCAA tourney (for the only time in our history).....our center on that team was Ronnie Morgan.

Fast forward to 2005....and I read in today's DMN, that Ronnie's son (Ronnie, Jr.) has transferred from Desoto so that he can play high school ball at his dad's high school alma mater (SOC).

It also stated that Morgan, Jr. was at the Denton Shoot-out and is attracting interest from many Div. 1 programs......including UNT.

Buford.....Cooley.......anyone who would know......is this young man as good as his dad was? If he is (or is better even) I would sure love to see us sign him.

He's thinner (6'7", 205). Ronnie, Sr. was pretty beefy, as I recall (240 or so).

Any scouts out there who know about Ronnie Morgan, Jr.........

Cooley · July 12, 2005

No where near dad. As the article states, he is relentless on the boards and a tough defender.

Not an offensive threat at this time. Also needs work on his free throws. I had heard rumors that Morgan and DeSoto's pt guard were transferring to SOC. (Melvin Goins)

Caught one of their games during the Denton Shootout. He would not be a good sign for us at this time. Would be a good pickup for a Southland Conference School.

Morgan transfers to SOC from DeSoto

Move helps forward continue to follow his father's footsteps

11:19 PM CDT on Monday, July 11, 2005

By TIM MacMAHON / The Dallas Morning News

DENTON – Ronnie Morgan's performance at the Great American Shootout probably will result in increased attention from college recruiters.

They'll need to make sure their letters are sent to Morgan's new address.

Morgan, who started at forward for Class 5A state finalist DeSoto as a junior last season, said he will attend South Oak Cliff after moving two weeks ago. He will join a program that will attempt to defend its 4A state title.

"I think we're going to do real well at SOC, but it was hard leaving [DeSoto]," said Morgan, who helped Texas Top Prospects 2006 reach the NBA Gold division semifinals Monday.

The 6-7, 205-pound Morgan, who has grown two inches during the off-season, looks forward to a frontcourt partnership with 6-9 Darrell Arthur. Morgan plans to fill the shoes of Kevin Rogers, a 6-9 Baylor recruit who combined with Arthur to form the state's most intimidating inside tandem.

Morgan said DeSoto coach Chris Dyer wished him well when informed of the move. Dyer and South Oak Cliff coach James Mays II did not return phone messages Monday.

Morgan will be following in the footsteps of his father, Ronnie Sr., who starred for South Oak Cliff in the 1980s.

The younger Morgan, a rugged rebounder and defender who has spent the summer working to improve his offensive skills, said he is being recruited by several Division I schools. One is North Texas, which made its only NCAA Tournament appearance in 1988, when Morgan's father earned Southland Conference freshman of the year honors.

"I hear about it all the time," Morgan said.

SUMG · July 13, 2005

Thanks, Cooley. I trust your judgement.

If he doesn't sign early (November).......and develops during his senior year.....maybe he might be a good signee in April 2006.

Or after a few years of juco seasoning.

Cooley · July 13, 2005

I just saw where Texas Hoops has him as their pre-season #65 ranked senior entering his senior year.

Ronnie Sr was 1st Team All-State at post and lead SOC deep in the playoffs. He also was highly recruited. As you know, he played HS ball for new NT coach Jimmy Gales.

Morgan Sr. left NT after his junior year to play ball overseas. Ironically to help support Ronnie Jr. He struggled with high blood pressure and weight throughout his junior year.

Ronnie Jr is closer to around 215 than 205. Technically, he did not even start for Desoto this past year. But then again, the coach did not start their OSU signee Roderick Flemmings.

Though the coach, (Chris Dyer) has been successful every where he has been, (including a state championship at SOC) the kids feel that he plays too many mind games and don't won't to risk their senior year to such tactics. Desoto will be fine

Cooley · July 17, 2005

I understand that there is a younger Morgan by the name of J' mison. Like Ronnie Jr, J'mison is contemplating transfering from Desoto High to SOC in the fall. This kid is more the size of Ronnie Sr (6-8 250)

The great thing is that he will only be a soph.

I looked him up and he is ranked the #2 center in the state (class of 2008)

Not sure if this is UNT news at this time but we can hope. I like his size.

BTW, excellent recruiting job by coach Mays at SOC this summer!