Ja Morant’s real name is Temetrius Jamel Morant. The NBA point guard uses “Ja” as a shortened version of his middle name, Jamel.
Ja is not his legal first name, and the basketball star has not publicly indicated that he changed his name. His official NBA biography identifies his full name as Temetrius Jamel Morant.
Morant was born on August 10, 1999, in Dalzell, South Carolina. He became internationally known as Ja Morant during his rise from Murray State University to the NBA.
Ja Morant’s Real Name: Quick Facts
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Ja Morant’s real name | Temetrius Jamel Morant |
| Legal first name | Temetrius |
| Middle name | Jamel |
| Surname | Morant |
| Meaning of “Ja” | A nickname derived from Jamel |
| Date of birth | August 10, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Dalzell, South Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Point guard |
| College | Murray State University |
| NBA Draft | Second overall pick in 2019 |
| Current team | Portland Trail Blazers |
Why Is Ja Morant Called Ja?
Temetrius Jamel Morant is called Ja because the nickname is derived from his middle name, Jamel. The first two letters of Jamel create the short and memorable name by which he is now known.
The basketball player has used Ja throughout his public and professional career. The name appears on his NBA profile, social-media accounts, endorsement deals and merchandise.
His name can be broken down as follows:
- Temetrius: Legal first name
- Jamel: Middle name
- Ja: Nickname derived from Jamel
- Morant: Family name
Ja is pronounced “Jah,” while his surname is usually pronounced “muh-RANT.”
Is Ja Morant’s First Name Really Temetrius?
Yes, Ja Morant’s first name is Temetrius.
Some people mistakenly search for “Demetrius Morant,” possibly because Demetrius is a more familiar name. However, the correct spelling begins with a T:
Temetrius Jamel Morant
The spelling is confirmed in Morant’s official NBA biography, which also lists his date of birth, college and professional basketball history.
Is Ja Morant His Legal Name?
Ja Morant is the player’s professional and commonly used name, but Ja is not his legal first name. His full legal name is publicly listed as Temetrius Jamel Morant.
There is no reliable public evidence that he has legally changed his first name to Ja. It is more accurate to describe Ja as a nickname or shortened form of Jamel.
This is similar to other athletes and celebrities who become better known by a shortened version of their birth name.
Was Ja Morant Named After His Father?
Ja Morant appears to have inherited the name Temetrius from his father, Temetrius “Tee” Morant.
Using different nicknames also helps distinguish father and son:
| Family member | Full or commonly reported name | Nickname |
|---|---|---|
| Ja Morant | Temetrius Jamel Morant | Ja |
| His father | Temetrius Morant | Tee |
Tee Morant played an important role in his son’s basketball development. He trained Ja at home and helped him improve his ball handling, strength, jumping and ability to finish around the basket.
Who Is Temetrius Jamel Morant?
Temetrius Jamel “Ja” Morant is an American professional basketball player known for his explosive athleticism, creative passing and spectacular dunks.
He was born on August 10, 1999, in Dalzell, South Carolina, to Tee and Jamie Morant. Both parents had athletic backgrounds, and his father became closely involved in his basketball training.
Morant attended Crestwood High School in Sumter, South Carolina. Despite producing impressive performances, he received limited attention from major college basketball programs.
His career changed when Murray State assistant coach James Kane noticed him playing in a secondary gym at a basketball event. Murray State subsequently recruited him, providing the platform from which he became a national college basketball star.
Ja Morant’s College Basketball Career
Morant played for the Murray State Racers between 2017 and 2019.
He showed promise during his freshman season but became one of the country’s most exciting players as a sophomore. His speed, scoring, court vision and jumping ability attracted national attention.
During the 2018–19 season, Morant led NCAA Division I in assists and became the first player in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists per game across a full season.
His performance at Murray State transformed him from a lightly recruited high-school player into one of the leading prospects in the 2019 NBA Draft.
After two college seasons, he declared for the draft and ended his remaining NCAA eligibility.
Ja Morant’s NBA Career
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Ja Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
He immediately became an important part of the team, averaging 17.8 points and 7.3 assists during his first regular season. His performances earned him the 2019–20 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Morant subsequently developed into an NBA All-Star and one of the league’s most recognisable point guards. His major career achievements include:
- 2019–20 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 2019–20 NBA All-Rookie First Team
- 2021–22 NBA Most Improved Player
- 2021–22 All-NBA Second Team
- Two-time NBA All-Star
- Second overall selection in the 2019 NBA Draft
Morant spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career with Memphis. In June 2026, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
What Team Does Ja Morant Play For?
As of August 2026, Ja Morant plays point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Morant began his professional career with the Memphis Grizzlies after they drafted him in 2019. He became the face of the franchise and earned both of his NBA All-Star selections while playing in Memphis.
Portland acquired Morant in a trade in June 2026, ending his seven-season association with the Grizzlies.
Ja Morant’s Parents and Family
Ja Morant’s parents are Tee Morant and Jamie Morant.
His father played college basketball and later trained Ja extensively. His mother played basketball in high school and also competed in softball.
Morant has a younger sister named Teniya Morant, who has also played basketball competitively.
The family’s athletic background and Tee Morant’s hands-on training contributed to Ja’s development, particularly his jumping ability and fearless style around the basket.
Does Ja Morant Have a Daughter?
Ja Morant has a daughter named Kaari Jaidyn Morant, who was born in August 2019.
Her birth came shortly before Morant began his rookie NBA season. She has since appeared alongside her father at basketball events, press conferences and public celebrations.
Is Ja Morant Related to Usher?
Ja Morant is not known to be related to singer Usher Raymond IV.
Fans began comparing the two because of a perceived physical resemblance. The comparison generated jokes on social media, but there is no verified family connection between Morant and Usher.
How Old Is Ja Morant?
Ja Morant was born on August 10, 1999. He is 27 years old as of August 10, 2026.
Because his birthday falls during the NBA offseason, his listed age normally changes before the beginning of each new season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ja Morant’s Real Name
What is Ja Morant’s real name?
Ja Morant’s real name is Temetrius Jamel Morant. Ja is a nickname derived from his middle name, Jamel.
What is Ja Morant’s full name?
His complete name is Temetrius Jamel Morant.
What does Ja stand for in Ja Morant’s name?
Ja is a shortened form of Jamel, which is Morant’s middle name.
Is Ja Morant’s real name Demetrius?
No. His correct first name is Temetrius, not Demetrius.
Is Ja Morant his birth name?
Morant is his birth surname, but Ja is a nickname. His publicly documented birth name is Temetrius Jamel Morant.
Why doesn’t Ja Morant use Temetrius?
Morant has long used the shorter nickname Ja. It became his recognised name in basketball and is now central to his public identity.
How do you pronounce Ja Morant?
Ja Morant is generally pronounced “Jah muh-RANT.”
What is Ja Morant’s middle name?
His middle name is Jamel, which is the source of the nickname Ja.
What is Ja Morant’s father’s real name?
Ja Morant’s father is commonly known as Tee Morant. His first name is also Temetrius.
Where was Ja Morant born?
He was born in Dalzell, South Carolina, in the United States.
What college did Ja Morant attend?
Morant attended Murray State University and played for the Murray State Racers.
What number was Ja Morant drafted?
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Ja Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Final Answer: What Is Ja Morant’s Real Name?
Ja Morant’s real name is Temetrius Jamel Morant. Temetrius is his legal first name, while Ja is a nickname taken from his middle name, Jamel.
Although most fans know him exclusively as Ja Morant, official biographical records continue to list the NBA star’s full name as Temetrius Jamel Morant.
Last Updated: August 10, 2026
