After leading the men’s basketball team to its most successful season in Portland State history, seniors Scott Morrison and Deonte Huff find themselves facing a new challenge upon graduating–trying to get paid to play the game they love.
Like the majority of college basketball players in this country, if Huff and Morrison want to turn their hoop skills into cash, they are more than likely going to have to earn a roster spot somewhere overseas or in one of the minor leagues in the United States, such as the CBA or NBDL.
The idea of playing in a foreign country does not bother either of these two Viking stars.
“I wouldn’t want to go to Korea or Russia, or the Middle East, but, China pays well,” Morrison said. “The best leagues are in Italy, Spain and Greece, which are also some great countries to be in, and the money is more secure.”
Huff, who grew up in Lancaster, Calif., says he does not have a real preference for where he ends up.
“To be honest, I have always loved playing basketball and I would like to get paid to do something I love,” Huff said. “Going in, I can’t be picky, I just want to play.”
Whether you are a 6-foot-11 shot-blocking machine like Morrison, or 6’4″ with amazing athletic skills like Huff, securing an opportunity to collect a check for playing basketball is not easy.
The fact that Morrison is the Vikings’ all-time leader with 187 blocked shots and was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year this past season might help get him a tryout, but to earn a place on team, Morrison is going to have to improve and perform when his number is called. For Morrison, that means developing a more solid and complete offensive game, a feature that is particularly important in the European leagues.
“I’m trying to run as much as I can and I’d like to put on 15-20 pounds of good weight,” said Morrison, the Vancouver, B.C native. “I played at about 245 and would like to weigh 265 by September, but also keep my foot speed. Here (at Portland State), I’ve mostly been a back to the basket kind of player, but I’m working to develop an outside shot to go more with the European game.”
Leading the Vikings with his energetic play on the court, Huff has a number of intangibles that make him an attractive prospect. Fans may remember him diving on the floor for loose balls, out-hustling opponents and throwing down a thunderous dunk on a fastbreak.
These traits earned Huff recognition throughout the Big Sky, but he will have to prove that he can consistently perform at a high level against tougher competition.
“I probably need to work on my jumper the most,” Huff said. “And get more used to the European game. I would definitely like to end up in the NBA, but I don’t know if that’s a realistic goal right now. I’m just trying to stay in shape”
Morrison has already hired an agent based out of San Francisco, Calif., and says he has received two unofficial offers from teams in Belgium and Germany.
Huff, a first-team All-Big Sky selection and Big Sky Tournament MVP, has yet to hire an agent.
Deonte Huff2007-200813.7 points per game6.0 rebounds2.6 assistsFirst Team All-Big SkyBig Sky Tournament MVPSet school record 17-17 free throws and scored a career-high 26 points vs. Montana State 2/2/08
Scott Morrison10.4 points per game5.8 rebounds53 blocks (led the Big Sky)All-time Portland State leader in blocks (187), games played (119)Second Team All-Big Sky 2008Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year 2008