Former Michigan basketball star point guard Darius Morris has died, according to reports. He was 33.
A program spokesman was unable to confirm the news as of early Saturday afternoon, however TMZ shared a statement from the Morris family. The cause of death has not been announced.
“With great sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris,” the statement read. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
Morris was a standout with the Wolverines from 2009-2011, including when he set a then-program record with 235 assists and was named third-team All-Big Ten during sophomore season. The Los Angeles native averaged 15.0 points and 6.7 assists that year before entered the NBA draft after his sophomore season and was picked by his hometown Lakers with the 41st pick in 2011.
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In all, Morris put up 9.9 points, 4.8 assists and 2.9 rebounds per contest in 67 games (53 starts) over two seasons in Ann Arbor.
Former Michigan coach John Beilein posted a message on social media in response to Morris’ death.
“Saddened to hear about the passing of former Wolverine Darius Morris,” Beilein posted on X (formerly Twitter). “In 2010-11 Darius was our starting pt gd (sic). He was a leader in that program changing 21 win season that laid the foundation for Michigan’s next decade of success. RIP DMo and condolences to the Morris family.”
The 2010-11 season began a stretch of four straight NCAA tournament appearances for U-M, during which the Wolverines won two Big Ten regular season titles and reached the national championship game (2013) and the Elite Eight (2014).
Morris spent parts of two seasons with the Lakers, including the 2012-13 season when he got all 17 of his career starts alongside Kobe Bryant. He later spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets; Morris averaged 3.3 points, 1.4 assists and 1.0 rebounds in 132 games across six years. His final NBA game was in the 2014-15 season.
