‘Cats pick up a key transfer
Kentucky and Mark Pope went to work to land a key need for the 26-27 season in Washington State transfer Jerone Morton.
Bio
Morton is a familiar face around the state of Kentucky, specifically Winchester where Jerone would be a stand out at George Rogers Clark (GRC). Morton would help lead the Cardinals to a 2022 KHSAA Boys Sweet Sixteen State Championship over Warren Central 43-42 and 37-1 final record in one of the best high school teams in recent memory. Jerone would average 18.7 PPG, 5.3 Reb, shooting 49.4% from the field, and 38.5% from three during his Junior season (21-22). Morton would also have a great Senior season in 22-23 where again they would make the KHSAA State Championship game this time losing to the previous runner-up Warren Central, the Cards finished the season with a 30-6 final record. During 22-23 Morton averaged 19.8 PPG, 6.6 Reb, shooting 52.4% from the field, and 30.6% from three during his Senior season.
Starting his College career
Jerone Morton would commit and sign out of high school to Morehead State where he would play his first season under now James Madison Head Coach Preston Spradlin where he would play a very small role. Morton would return to the Eagles for one more season this time under Jonathan Mattox. During his two seasons in Morehead Jerone would average 6.3 PPG, 2.2 Reb, 2 assists, shooting 38.1 % from the field, and 27.2% from three.
After his Sophomore season Jerone would decide to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal and explore new opportunities. He would later commit to Washington State and David Riley. Morton would play his most efficient season yet averaging 7.8 PPG, 1.9 Reb, 2.6 assists shooting 43.8% from the field, and 38.7% from three. Jerone scored double figures in 11 games and scored a season high 16 points versus #9 Gonzaga.
The season ended with the Cougars losing 7 of their last 8 which was unprecedented in Morton’s career. He once again entered the NCAA transfer portal with a pull to be closer home.
Morton heard from DePaul, George Mason, and Texas A&M, as well as a few other SEC programs. One school called him the most, The Kentucky Wildcats. Morton would visit Lexington on April 24th with campus just around 40 minutes from Winchester. It didn’t take long for Jerone to pick the ‘Cats and Mark Pope who is seen as a strong versatile player on both sides of the court.
Jerone’s High School Coach Josh Cook on Jerone as a player and person
When asked about Jerone’s impact on the court Josh Cook (Jerone’s High School Head Coach) he had this to say about his for MVP “Jerone is the ultimate competitor. He is a player that plays the game the right way with the mindset of doing whatever he can to help his team to win. He is a Winner!”
I also asked about him as a person and he said “His passion and work ethic has helped him continue to climb the ladder and chase his dreams.”
Wrap up
With his possible coaching job on the line Mark Pope and staff have set up to rebuild the roster and build a team to win championships. Morton is a player whose background sets him up to have a very bright future for the Wildcats in any role given.
Highlights
The KY Press 