Brock Morrison has compiled over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 200 assists. (Photo: Sports Information)
With his first assist of the game against Franklin College on Jan. 6, AU senior forward Brock Morrison wrote his name into the AU men’s basketball record books. The assist was the 200th of his career and made him just the second Raven in history to record 1,000-plus points, 500-plus rebounds and 200-plus assists. Ron Long (1965-69) is the only other Raven to have reached those marks in his career.
“I didn’t even notice I was approaching the milestone, but when I was honored before the game last week and I received a standing ovation from the crowd and got to walk out with my dad and Coach [Tom] Slyder, it really made me appreciate the achievement,” Morrison said.
The one word that can describe Morrison’s milestone achievement is consistency. A player does not reach those three numbers without hard work, consistency and a good amount of talent—three qualities Morrison possesses. As a first team All-HCAC selection the past two seasons, Morrison is on the fast track to making it three in a row this season. Through 14 games, the forward is averaging 15.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. If those numbers hold up it would be his best season individually.
To play four years of college athletics is tough, and to play all four at a high level is even harder. Morrison’s achievement is a rare feat, and that’s because it’s hard to find a player who possesses the ability to score, rebound and dish it out. Morrison is hardly a one-dimensional player. A 36 percent shooter from three-point land and a bruiser down in the post, he is a tough matchup for any player. His ability to go outside allows for him to find the open man, and his strength gives him the ability to haul in boards and finish buckets inside the paint.
Despite his individual accomplishments, Morrison is quick to acknowledge those who helped him.
“You are not a successful player unless you have successful players around you, and I just thank coach for giving me this opportunity,” he said.
It is always hard to deem a current player one of the greatest of all time, but the numbers do not lie. Morrison is one of only two players to achieve those numbers. Of all the players that have put on the Raven uniform, only he and one other have been able to compile those numbers in four years. He is a rare breed and a once-in-a-generation player.
