When the NCAA initially announced plans to move forward with a 5-in-5 eligibility model, BBN began to wonder if that meant another year of Otega Oweh. For better or worse, Cats fans didn't have to wait long for an answer.
Just an hour or so after the initial buzz hit the internet, league officials clarified that even if the new legislation formally passes, it will not retroactively apply to current seniors this year. Well, way to fire us up for no reason.
The book on Oweh's collegiate career is officially closed then, barring a successful lawsuit out of left field. Yet while one door closes, another opens... and Jerone Morton may walk right on through it.
Jerone Morton is More Than a Hometown Pivot
With backcourt depth minutes wide open, all eyes have turned to Jerone Morton. The 6-foot-4 transfer guard just wrapped up his official visit to Lexington, and by all indications (per KSR), the trip was a successful one.
Bringing Morton to town would both satisfy the depth chart and bring a Kentucky native back home Growing up in the bluegrass, Morton undoubtedly understands the pressure, passion, and privilege of playing for the biggest program in the state.
For an in-state guy, putting on the iconic blue and white hits different than it does for a mercenary transfer. He knows exactly what is expected when you step onto the floor at Rupp Arena, and Cats fans should be thrilled to welcome him home.
Getting Consistent Production
Pope has already signed Alex Wilkins and Zoom Diallo to start in the backcourt, but you can never have too many quality players therein; Morton, if he's open to that role, is precisely the type of reliable, steady hand that can elevate a competitive roster.
Last season with Washington State, Morton posted a 38.7% clip from long range, averaging 7.8 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 rebounds as he went along. He isn't someone who has to have the ball in his hands to be effective, and he has experience playing against stout collegiate competition and performing well. See his pair of 16 and 15-point games against Gonzaga this past year for proof.
With Oweh moving on and the coaching staff needing to finalize the backcourt rotation, the stars have perfectly aligned for this hometown reunion. Morton has the collegiate experience and fit but, most importantly, he loves the program. "We’re leaning the Cats way," his father said, in an interview with KSR.
Now, the ball is firmly in Mark Pope's court. Will the head coach close the deal and secure a crucial commitment from a Kentucky native?
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