Moses Morgan will do everything for Thailand in his debut

NONTHABURI (FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Eastern Region Pre-Qualifiers) — Thailand made their way to the Eastern Region Pre-Qualifiers of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 by finishing in second place of the SEABA Prequalifers earlier this year in June. Leading the way for Thailand was star shooting guard, Tyler Lamb, who topped the tournament in scoring (22.3 PPG) along with 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

Now as they head into the Eastern Region Pre-Qualifiers, Thailand will need to rely on another talented forward to help get them through to the FIBA Asia Cup in 2021: Moses Morgan.

Though Morgan has never played for Thailand in a FIBA event, to say this is Morgan’s debut would be technically incorrect. The sharpshooting forward had already donned the National Team jersey in 2016 at the Super Kung Sheung Cup in Hong Kong.

“Playing in Hong Kong was a great experience for me,” Morgan says of the first time he wore the Thailand National Team jersey. “Even though it wasn’t for in a FIBA [tournamnet]. I thought it was a good experience for me to just to go out and get the feel of playing for the national team. Being able to play against the teams that were in that tournament, just being able to play with the guys, it was a good experience for me.”

Almost exactly two years later, Morgan is about to suit up for Thailand again. This time the stakes are much higher, with a trip to the FIBA Asia Cup on the line. It would turn out to be quite a debut for Morgan if he was to be a part of the success in advancing to the next round with this Thailand National Team.

“I think it’s exciting to be able to play for something like this on the line,” says the 6’6” forward. “Being able to represent Thailand and just having the opportunity to help the national team qualify for something like this — I’ve never been a part of any like this and I’m excited to be a part of it. Hopefully we can get it done.”

It won’t be the first time Thailand participates in the FIBA Asia Cup should they advance — they have 19 appearances to be exact — but considering how quickly the sport has risen in the country as of recent, it would be a big deal to make a return to the region’s largest basketball competition. Moses Morgan has experienced the rapid growth first hand, citing the significance he’s felt since first getting into the scene in 2015 until now.

“In Thailand, I see a lot of growth from the first time i came here,” Morgan recalls. “In my first year out here, I don’t remember playing against [Teerawat Chantachon], against [Chanathip Jakrawan], against [Patipan Klahan], and those are just some of the guys I can name of the top of my head.”

“I think I remember playing against [Atthaphong Leelapipatkul] one time. Man, he’s really good.” Morgan says, praising the up-and-coming 20-year-old guard.

“Those guys and how they’ve improved, from what I did see from the first time until now, it’s amazing that it’s headed in the right direction.” Morgan adds. “Especially if you see guys like myself and Tyler [Lamb] coming in and out just to help with the team, I really think the future is bright for the national team.”

Morgan is sweet-shooting forward with wide body, giving him the ability to be able to tank his way towards the basket and grab rebounds that come his way. He’ll be expected to shoulder a lot of the scoring load for Thailand, similar to what Lamb has done for the team in the past.

“Me and tyler, we kinda got similar games,” Morgan explains. “Tyler is a bit more on the ball. He can play off the ball as well and we bring some of the same things. With me, I think I can provide scoring and rebounding. If coach wants me to guard the 5, I can guard the 5. If he wants me to guard the point, I guard the point.”

“I hope I can do as much as I can like what Tyler did in the past year for the National Team. I hope I can do just as well if not better, and hopefully at some point down the road, we can play together at the same time.”

Catch Moses Morgan in his first appearance with the Thailand National Team when they take the court at the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Eastern Region Pre-Qualifers against Singapore on November 26!

FIBA