If there’s one word that defines Monte Morris, it’s calm. No matter the pressure, he never seems rattled. But that composure didn’t just develop overnight—it was shaped by years of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of his biggest influence: his mother.

From his first steps on the court to earning his place in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, she’s been there every step of the way. Let’s dive into the story of the family behind Monte Morris’ success.

Where is Monte Morris from? Exploring his family and their roots.

Monte Morris may have been born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, making him American by nationality, but his roots run deeper. His mother, Lationa Morris, was of Nigerian descent, giving Monte a strong connection to his African heritage.

But beyond heritage, one thing that’ll truly make you admire Lationa? Her unwavering dedication as a single mother. She juggled life’s challenges while working as a regional manager for low-income apartment complexes in Flint, Michigan—all while ensuring Monte had everything he needed to chase his dreams.

One of the biggest influences on Monte Morris’ upbringing? Lationa’s unwavering love and support. She didn’t just raise a talented athlete—she raised a good human. While some parents focus solely on individual success, she made sure Monte grew up with a heart for others. It wasn’t just about providing for him financially. She instilled values of kindness, empathy, and generosity, ensuring he’d always be ready to uplift those around him.

One of the examples would be how he became someone who would use his allowance to buy socks for his teammates, ensuring they had what they needed. Once, he even donated three pairs of his basketball shoes to teammates who were in need. Now, it might seem less to you, but it would make a huge difference for someone else. But here she set a great example of good parenting.

But you know what’s even more interesting? Monte’s deep love for his roots.

His story isn’t just about personal triumph—it’s about family, culture, and legacy. Lationa didn’t just raise him with strong values—she made sure he never lost sight of his Nigerian heritage.

Growing up in the U.S., it would’ve been easy for Monte to fully embrace American culture and leave it at that. But instead, he carried both identities with pride. His connection to Nigeria isn’t just something he acknowledges—it’s something he actively embraces, proving that his heritage has always been an inseparable part of who he is.

His connection to his Nigerian background is so strong that it also made him to take a huge decision to play for Nigeria’s national basketball team. In 2021, he committed to playing for Nigeria as a naturalized player.

His decision to represent Nigeria in international basketball was a reflection of his desire to honor his mother’s heritage and something beyond the NBA. “I wanted to play for Nigeria… I’m just trying to make an impact,” he said in an interview. It’s a way to give back to the community and culture that shaped him.

Monte’s decision to represent Nigeria on the international stage says it all—his heritage isn’t just a part of him, it’s something he takes immense pride in.

At the heart of his journey is a simple truth: success isn’t just about the individual. It’s about the love, support, and values that push you forward. Monte Morris is living proof that with family, hard work, and a strong connection to your roots, you can achieve anything.

Now that we’ve explored his family and heritage, let’s dive into another important part of his life—his faith.

What is Monte Morris’ religion?

Monte Morris is a Christian. While there are no reports stating his religion, his faith is often expressed through social media, using captions that reflect his gratitude and trust in God’s plan. For example, once he shared messages like “God’s timing 🙏🏾5️⃣🔒❤️” and “Thanking God for this moment. Childhood dreams became reality December 1st, 2023 🔒🅱️🙏🏾.”

These posts are highlight his belief in God’s role in his journey, showing how his faith guides and strengthens him through his basketball career. Through his words and actions, it’s clear that his religion is an important aspect of his life and success.