Morgan Primed to be a HU Pirate

Ron Bailey, Publisher

May 17, 2007 – Kwame Morgan, the senior, first team All-Met and All-County (Prince George’s) forward/guard from Largo High School (Largo, MD), ended speculation last month regarding his college home, picking Hampton University. Kwame’s reasoning behind the decision reveals not only his grounded thinking, but also that of those around him.

“It was a family decision. My mother went to Hampton” said Morgan when asked at a recent AAU/travel team event why he chose the private Historically Black College and University (HBCU) of around 6,000 students in Hampton, VA. “I’ve been to homecoming and went there growing up” elaborated Kwame of his exposure to the venerable institution. “I’m aware of the social life and the school itself. I think it was one of the best black universities”.

His coach at Largo, Lewis Howard, believes the star player’s decision is a win-win for Morgan and HU. “I think it’s going to be a great fit for him, but also for Hampton” said the man that has assisted in Morgan’s development for three years. “He’s a great athlete, and it’s a great get for them…Kwame is one of the best players in the area and state. To get a player of his caliber is great”.

In Lewis’ mind, Hampton’s coach, Kevin Nickelberry, is just the man to work with Kwame, as “Coach Nickelberry’s strength is developing players, it will be a good fit”. Lewis continued with his feelings on Nickelberry, stating “He’s young and up and coming. He’s really, really found a niche for recruiting local players…He’s put P.G. (Prince George’s County, MD) back on the map”.

Lewis later added “Could he (Morgan) play at a higher level? Absolutely, no question about it”, but the coach also feels strongly that wherever a young person goes “you want play” and that Hampton’s HBCU status and Kwame, as a young black man “also being able to be coached by an African American is great”.

Morgan, seen here after this year's Capital Classic's preliminary game, remarked of the contest, "It was good. I had an opportunity to play with guys I will never play with again. It was a good experience".

According to Morgan, “Northeastern, Cal State Fullerton, Cal-Berkley, Morgan State, South Carolina State, and Southern Idaho (J.C.)”, in addition to other late interested schools such as George Mason all expressed varying levels of interest, including many scholarship offers.

Was Morgan impressed with the supposed name schools? Nada. “I’m not really caught up with that” said Kwame of colleges’ supposed basketball reputation and standing. “I wanted to go to a college where I would play, and not be overlooked. There are a lot of good players at colleges that are overlooked”.

Having scored 28.9 points and nine rebounds per contest via strong drives to the cup, mid range jumpers and charity stripe attempts this past season, Hamptonites can expect the 6’3” Morgan to play shooting guard and small forward, depending on match ups.

“He’ll be able to post some small guards, and he will be able to play on the perimeter” opined Lewis, who also thinks Kwame will have no problem improving his overall game – including the consistent range of his jumper – as Morgan has from day one been not only open to coaching, but displayed a willingness to improve. “He’s worked very hard to put himself in position to receive all the awards he got…He’s a hard working young man” noted Largo’s coach, a man that has led the team to two Maryland State Final Fours in three years. “His emergence is due to doing what we asked him to do. It’s no surprise to us, that Kwame was as successful as he was”.

Morgan believes he will perform well in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – Hampton’s league – not only due to his skills and Lewis’ tutelage, but being forged in the crucible known as D.C – a true hoops hotbed. “Yes a lot of guys from D.C. are in the MEAC” replied Kwame when asked if basketball in the National Capital Region would prepare him for his future college experiences. “We are going to by physical and run and gun…That’s what we do here”.

Before departing for Hampton in June, Morgan will wrap up his tenure at Largo, which of course involves not only graduation, but attending Largo’s prom. As witnessed by his high flying, fearless style on the court, the young guy has a certain swag, which will be exhibited at the school’s end of year season bash tomorrow. There’s no carpooling or pedestrian rent-a-car for Kwame, as he will arrive in the Bentley his family lined up for the occasion.

Boy, things have changed…a Bentley? But the more they change, the more they stay the same: There will always be room for a talented, hard working, grounded student-athlete to further his education at a college or university – HBCU’s included.

In some ways, Kwame Morgan is a throwback player; a guy that you can count on to make it happen, by whatever means. The Pirates of Hampton should be ecstatic he’s in the fold.