Darius Morris, NBA veteran and Michigan alumnus, has passed away at the age of 33, per a report by Shams Charania. No cause of death has been reported at this time.
“Four-year NBA veteran Darius Morris has passed away at the age of 33. Morris played for the Lakers, 76ers, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Nets from 2011-2015,” Charania posted.
Morris’ family also released a statement about the former NBA player’s passing, as obtained by TMZ.
“With great sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris,” the statement read. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
Darius Morris excelled with the Michigan basketball team for two seasons. In the 2010-11 season, he topped the Big Ten in assists, setting a single-season assist record for the program.
Subsequently, he was selected in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 41st overall pick. He initially played in the D-League before getting called up. Over the next four seasons, Morris played in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Brooklyn Nets from 2011 to 2015. Following his NBA career, he continued playing basketball internationally until retiring in 2020.
Michigan paid tribute to Morris following the announcement of his passing on their social media accounts, saying, “The Michigan Basketball Community mourns the passing of Darius Morris” with a graphic honoring him.
The Michigan Basketball Community mourns the passing of Darius Morris 💛💙
The ex-coach of the Wolverine basketball team during Morris’s tenure, John Beilein, also shared a post on X about him.
“Saddened to hear about the passing of former Wolverine Darius Morris. In 2010-11 Darius was our starting pt gd. He was a leader in that program changing 21 win season that laid the foundation for Michigan’s next decade of success. RIP DMo and condolences to the Morris family.”
Randall Barnes is ClutchPoints’ Head of HBCU (Historically Black College or University) content and the founder of HBCU Pulse, a multimedia outlet with the mission to tell the authentic stories of HBCU Life via traditional, digital and social media outlets.
