Carlos Morris, a 6-foot-5, 160-pound sophomore guard from Chipola (FL) Junior College, became the third player to commit to Minnesota today. He visited Minnesota last month and attended the Gopher football game versus Iowa.
Morris averaged 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game last season. He shot 44.4% from the field, 36.5% from three-point range and 77.4% from the charity stripe.
Gopher Hole caught up with Chipola head coach Pat Blake to learn the latest on his standout guard’s decision.
Gopher Hole: What was the main reason that Carlos decided today that Minnesota was where he wanted to be next season?
Pat Blake: I think that he had a great relationship with the coaching staff. Coach McHale and Coach Pitino did a good job of forming that relationship. He loved the campus and the fan support and the facilities that they have there and fell in love with the place.
Gopher Hole: I know that he was considering UAB and Seton Hall. Was he looking at anyone else towards the end?
Pat Blake: No. He had a lot of attention from a lot of schools, but I think that his relationship with Minnesota and the visit he had there always kept them up front.
Gopher Hole: Richard Pitino wants to follow in his father’s style of play, which is up-tempo and guard dominant. How do you think that Carlos fits in that style?
Pat Blake: He is going to fit perfectly in that style. It is very similar to what we do. He was our leading scorer last year and really excels in the fullcourt defensive pressure. I think that it is going to be a easy adjustment for him to step into that style and be an impact player.
Gopher Hole: I don’t know how much you have talked to him since he made his decision, but does it feel like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders already so he can get that out of the way and focus on his sophomore season which starts Friday?
Pat Blake: We haven’t discussed it a lot. I know that I am really excited for him. Our staff and team is as well and I think that he is excited for the opportunity.