April 1, 2010
Morris 2009-10/Career Highlights in PDF Format
One of the most decorated players in Aztec basketball history, San Diego State guard Jené Morris (San Francisco, Calif.) is among only 14 players invited to the 2010 WNBA Draft announcement presented by adidas. Morris, who would be the Aztecs' first-ever WNBA Draft pick, will travel to the NBA Entertainment studios in Secaucus, N.J., for the event on Thursday, April 8, beginning at noon PT (3 p.m. ET).
"It's a huge honor and a blessing, especially when I look at the list of the other players who have been invited," Morris said. "It's also a testament for just how far our program has come. I could have never imagined that I would be considered in the Draft, much less be among the 14 players invited to the (announcement). I'd like to thank coach (Beth) Burns, our entire coaching staff, my teammates and my family. I'm excited to just be in the mix."
The first round of the 2010 WNBA Draft will be televised live on ESPN2 and will be carried on the internet on ESPN360.com. The second and third rounds will be broadcast on ESPNU and NBA TV. The Connecticut Sun hold the top pick, while the Minnesota Lynx have the second and third selections, followed by the Chicago Sky and San Antonio Silver Stars.
"Today is a banner day for Jené, her family, her teammates and coaches and San Diego State University," Aztec head coach Beth Burns said. "She has worked extremely hard to put herself in this position and we are very proud of her. Jené has represented SDSU with class, skill and passion. She is ready to make an impact at the professional level and all Aztecs will be behind her every step of the way."
A two-time Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year and two-time first-team all-league pick, Morris helped lead the Aztecs to the program's first-ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in 2010, and the team's first trip to the Round of 16 since 1985. SDSU claimed its first Mountain West Conference Championship title with a dramatic overtime victory to earn its second consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament. The Aztecs upset both No. 17 Texas on the Longhorns' home floor, and later No. 10 West Virginia in the first and second rounds, as Morris made national headlines by averaging 29.5 points per contest.
Morris is the first Aztec to ever lead the MWC in scoring, is the conference's all-time leader in career steals and ranks third in SDSU history in career points with 1,499, despite only playing three seasons in the Red and Black. The 5-9 guard is a finalist for the 2010 State Farm Coaches' All-America Basketball Team, after becoming only the third Aztec to ever garner All-America honors a year ago.
Morris would become just the 11th player in Mountain West Conference history to be tabbed in the WNBA Draft. Three of those picks have come in the first round with the highest selection being former TCU standout Sandora Irvine, who was chosen third overall by the Phoenix Mercury.
SDSU ended the 2009-10 season with a 23-11 overall record, including three victories over top 25 schools.
2010 WNBA Draft Announcement Invitees (14 total):
Name College/University Position Height
Jené Morris San Diego State Guard 5'9"
Jayne Appel Stanford Center 6'4"
Tina Charles Connecticut Center 6'4"
Alysha Clark Middle Tennessee St. Forward 5'10"
Kalana Greene Connecticut Guard 5'10"
Kelsey Griffin Nebraska Forward 6'2"
Allison Hightower Louisiana State Guard 5'10"
Alison Lacey Iowa State Guard 6'0"
Danielle McCray Kansas Guard/Forward 5'11"
Chanel Mokango Mississippi State Forward 6'5"
Jacinta Monroe Florida State Forward 6'5"
Andrea Riley Oklahoma State Guard 5'5"
Amanda Thompson Oklahoma Forward 6'1"
Monica Wright Virginia Guard 5'11"