DRIVE Basketball :: Retro MVP : Scott Morrison

(Pictured: Scott Morrison fights for the rebound against former Gonzaga standout and current LA Laker forward Ronnie Turiaf during exhibition action in 2004/05.)

Our latest installment of Retro MVP features 2004 AAA MVP Scott Morrison. Scott was the key catalyst in Argyle Secondarys run to the 2004 AAA Provincial Championships. Scott anchored the paint area throughout the tournament and provided one of the most dominating performances by a Post player in AAA Provincial tournament history. Morrison's Pipers defeated Pitt Meadows Secondary (featuring current UBC starting center Bryson Kool) in a back and forth match-up at the PNE Agrodome. For the 2004 tournament Morrison averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds and two blocks a game while offering a defensive anchor that altered numerous shots. After his steller career at Argyle, Scott took his game to Portland State where he is currently enjoying a breakout Sophmore season. Scott was recently awarded Big Sky Conference player of the week after helping Portland State upset the University of Oregon Ducks (Pac-10). Scott has also enjoyed experience with the Canadian National program as he represented Canada at the 2005 World University Games in Izmir, Turkey this past summer.

DRIVE: What is your greatest memory from High School?

SM: The Greatest memory I had was playing the finals of the Howe Sound vs Handsworth at our place my Sr. year. We ended up playing them three times because it was double knock-out. One game went to overtime. Another Game was delayed because I broke the rim in the third quarter. And we end up winning and getting the only birth to provincials and ended up winning it all.

DRIVE: Who are some of the best player’s you’ve faced?

SM: The first collegiate game I was in we played Gonzaga and I had to guard Ronnie Turiaf now with the LA Lakers. That was quit an experience for a freshman. Other Than that I've had the opportunity to play with Dan Dickau, Fred Jones (last years Slam dunk contest champion) and all of the Portland Trailblazers.

DRIVE: What advice would you give young players growing up in B.C.?

SM: I would tell them to just to get out and hoop as much as they can when ever they can. Try to pick up other players in your area and just to push each other and always get after it even in just 5 on 5 open gyms.

DRIVE: You went from BC High School Basketball to the very competitive Big Sky Conference, what were some of the main differences from high school to College?

SM: The biggest thing i noticed was just how much harder they push you in every way. It can be weights, practice open gym school. Everything they do is to make you maximize your potential. Another thing would be just how much faster and more up-tempo the game is in the NCAA.

DRIVE: You had a very busy summer in '05, what were some of the hi-lights of your summer with the National Program?

SM: Just see all the talent around the world and how much differently the overseas game is. I really enjoyed going to Turkey and getting to see how much i can change my game to be more of an outside threat. Everyone over there can shoot and dribble and play 1 - 5.

DRIVE: How important is academics and what are you studying at Portland State?

SM: School is very important that's what I wanted to come to
Portland State because they have a great Business program here. The world nike headquarters is in Portland and they have a lot of job openings for undergraduates to work with them so that was appealing. That's why i am taking Business Management here.

DRIVE: Who do you think is going to take the 2006 AAA BC Provincial Championships? NCAA Champs?

SM: The Saints. Just because Handsworth is a rival school and I'd hate to bash on DUKE but I think UCONN is going to take it this year.

DRIVE would like to wish Scott continued success in his University basketball career.

.: For past article's on DRIVE's Retro MVP's click here.