Morton unsung star for Purdue
WEST LAYFAYETTE, Ind. — By his own admittance, Ethan Morton’s basketball transition at Purdue University hasn’t been easy.
“It’s hard ... It’s still hard,” the Butler graduate and Boilermaker junior guard said.
It’s also been worth it.
Morton is averaging 25.3 minutes per game for undefeated and top-ranked Purdue (12-0). He ranks second on the team with 39 assists while turning the ball over only 12 times. His eight steals are second on the squad as well.
But Butler’s all-time leading scorer — with 2,198 points — is averaging 4.6 points per game this season. His season-high is eight points against Gonzaga.
“I’ve had to adjust my game here. That’s taking time and I feel like I’m still in that process,” Morton said. “I always want more. I feel like I’ve got the same talents I had in high school, but I’m defensive-minded first now.
“When I signed on to go to college, I envisioned what my game would be like. While it hasn’t been what I envisioned, I’m happy in my role and doing what I need to do to help us win, whether it shows up in the box score or not.
“Still, I’ve been getting good looks. I haven’t shot the ball well so far this year. I know I can do better,” Morton added.
Morton’s had his moments. He made the all-tournament team at the Phil Knight Legacy tournament in Oregon, combining for 19 assists, 14 points, 12 rebounds and only one turnover in wins over West Virginia, Gonzaga and Duke.
He was joined on that all-tournament team by center Zach Edey, who is averaging 22.6 points and 13.9 rebounds this season. Edey is 7-foot-4 and weighs 295 pounds.
“That tournament was fun, especially playing against schools I grew up watching,” Morton said.
The Boilermakers were unranked at the start of the season. They take a 12-0 record and The Associated Press No. 1 ranking into Wednesday’s home game against New Orleans. Their Big Ten opener is Jan. 2 against Rutgers.
“Our expectations were tempered at the beginning of the year because we had some freshmen coming in and a few guys, including myself, who hadn’t played much before this season,” Morton said. “But it helps to have the likely National Player of the Year playing center for you.
“Zach is an absolute monster inside. He and I have developed a good relationship. The guy has no ego whatsoever. All he wants to do is win a championship here.”
That continues to be Morton’s goal as well.
“Every time you move up to the next level in basketball, you have to sacrifice a little bit,” he said. “I’m out there with so much talent. You not only have to find your niche, you have to use your skills in a way that makes the team better.”
While he’s happy with the No. 1 ranking now, Morton would much prefer Purdue have that designation when the NCAA Tournament is concluded.
“Absolutely, winning a national championship would be awesome,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to play for two great coaches in Matt Painter (Purdue) and Matt Clement (Butler). Both excel at what they do at the levels they coach.
“We won a (WPIAL) title for Coach Clement. I’d love to be on the team that gets Coach Painter to a Final Four. That guy deserves that so much. But we were ranked No. 1 at one point last year and the season didn’t end the way we wanted. We still have a lot of work to do.”
Morton has another two years of basketball eligibility at Purdue following this season. He expects to graduate next December and is unsure whether he will play beyond next season.
Regardless, he’s come a long way from missing his first collegiate preseason camp due to a bout with mononucleosis to starting for the top-ranked team in the country.
“I’ll probably have to decide (on that final year) before my senior season, just so the coaches can plan,” Morton said. “But I’m not too worried about it right now. I’m happy with how far I’ve come so far ... but I feel like I can go a lot farther.”
