Two decades ago, O’Bannon basketball featured a six-foot six-inch dual threat. From 1999 to 2003, Brandon Morey’s skill set on the basketball floor demonstrated that he was blessed with the size of a forward and the ball handling skills and shooting ability of a guard. But his acumen on the hardcourt was nothing compared to his relentless academic pursuits. He studied hard and had aspirations of going from O’ Bannon to Harvard.
Although he did not go to the Ivy League to study, he did pretty well by earning his degree in Computer and Information Science at Mississippi College in 2009. He is now the Vice President of Tax Credits for Mississippi Home Corporation in Jackson.
“Athletics are only going to take you so far simply because of the wear and tear on your body,” he said. “And you’re also going to play against competition that’s better than you as you continue to get older.” What’s going to separate you is your work ethic and you being academically eligible. Hitting the books as well and taking care of your body – no smoking, not drugs and things of that nature.”
Morey played at a time when the Information Age was just beginning to take off. He compared players today to those of his era. The biggest difference now is that the kids are more talented,” Morey opined. “They’re physically gifted. But I don’t think they have the drive that we had. We did more with less, we had less resources, Today, you’ve got better facilities, social media and all kinds of influences and advantages that we didn’t have.
“If anyone is interested in seeing how far they can go with this game, they need to work on the little thing” he elaborated. “In high school basketball everyone wants to do dunking and highlight plays but success in this sport involves the little things like footwork, blocking out on rebounds and moving without the ball.
Morey played with a core group of teammates from junior high school to high school which included Tristan Taylor and Damario Landrum. Overseeing these young players’ development was head coach Leroy Boyd. “It was great playing with those guys as we moved from one level to the next,” Morey said. “Coach Boyd prepared me for anything college coaches had to dish out. I developed thick skin and really did not let any coaching style make me lose my focus on the court.”
Morey was visiting his alma mater on Saturday night where his daughter Elaynah, a junior on the O’Bannon girls’ basketball team, plays. He also has a son, Elijah, who lives with him in Jackson who excels in basketball, football, and track. Another son, Isaiah, also excels at basketball. The father, former hoops, star and ascending executive reflected on his time playing the game he loves.
“The best memories are the rivalry games against Leland and the games against Greenville High where the sidelines were so congested you couldn’t take the ball out of bounds,” he said. “And just being recognized when you walk down the hallways and being respected by your peers, teachers and administration meant a lot.”
