If you’ve watched Memphis Grizzlies games, you’ve likely spotted Tee Morant’s animated courtside presence. Born November 15, 1978, Tee is 46 years old in 2026.

As Ja Morant’s father, he’s become a celebrity in his own right—known for his passionate support, strict criticism, and the incredible sacrifice he made abandoning his own basketball dreams.

From playing alongside Ray Allen to becoming an entrepreneur and coach, Tee’s journey reveals a man who chose family over fame and created a legacy through his son’s success.

Who Is Tee Morant? Quick Facts

Before diving deeper, here’s what you need to know about Tee Morant:

• Full Name: Temetrius Jamel Morant (the same name given to his son, Ja)
• Birth Date: November 15, 1978
• Current Age: 46 years old (as of 2026)
• Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee
• Current Occupation: Entrepreneur, basketball coach, and media personality
• Wife: Jamie Morant (former point guard and softball player)
• Children: Ja Morant (son, born August 10, 1999) and Teniya Morant (daughter, born February 16, 2005)
• Famous For: Being NBA star Ja Morant’s father and his vocal courtside presence at Memphis Grizzlies games
• Known For: His passionate support, accountability-focused parenting, and his own basketball career alongside future Hall of Famer Ray Allen
• Net Worth: Estimated between $1.5 million to $5 million

Tee Morant Age: Born November 15, 1978

Tee Morant entered the world on November 15, 1978, in Memphis, Tennessee, making him 46 years old in 2026. As a Scorpio, he embodies the zodiac’s characteristic intensity and passion—traits clearly visible during Grizzlies games.

To put his birth into context, Tee was born during the disco era, the same year that would see Michael Jordan’s future unfold. When he was born, the NBA looked drastically different, and the three-point line had just been introduced two years earlier.

By the time Tee became a father to Ja in 1999, he was just 21 years old—a young man who had already made the life-altering decision to prioritize fatherhood over his professional basketball aspirations. This meant giving up potential opportunities to play professional basketball overseas and instead working as a barber to provide for his growing family.

Age Comparison with Other NBA Parents

At 46 years old, Tee Morant is relatively young compared to many NBA players’ fathers. This age advantage contributes to his high-energy courtside presence and his ability to remain actively involved in basketball training and coaching. While many NBA star fathers are in their 60s or 70s, Tee’s youthfulness allows him to maintain the physical stamina and contemporary understanding of the game that keeps him relevant in today’s basketball landscape.

His age when he made the decision to abandon his professional dreams—early twenties—also speaks volumes about his maturity and commitment to family values at a time when most young athletes are chasing their own glory.

Early Life and High School Basketball Career

Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Temetrius Jamel Morant was raised by his mother, Saundra E. Dawson, alongside his brothers Mar Cell and Travis Wiley. Basketball wasn’t just a hobby for young Tee—it was a passion that would define his youth and shape his future parenting philosophy.

Tee attended Hillcrest High School, where he developed into a serious basketball prospect. His playing style combined quickness, court vision, and an intensity that college scouts noticed. But what made his high school career truly remarkable was who he shared the court with: Ray Allen, who would go on to become a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

Playing alongside Ray Allen at Hillcrest High School gave Tee a front-row seat to NBA-level talent. Scouting reports from that era suggested Tee had legitimate potential himself—his skills, basketball IQ, and competitive fire marked him as a player who could compete at higher levels. The expectations were real: coaches and scouts believed Tee could have a future in professional basketball, whether in the NBA or overseas.

His playing style emphasized fundamentals—the same principles he would later drill into Ja during backyard training sessions. Tee understood spacing, shot selection, and the mental aspects of basketball that separate good players from great ones.

College Basketball at Claflin University

After high school, Tee Morant took his talents to Claflin University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. This decision to attend an HBCU reflected both his values and his commitment to excellence in an environment that celebrated Black athletic achievement.

At Claflin, Tee didn’t just participate—he excelled. His performance during the 1996-97 season earned him the EIAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year award, a recognition that validated his skills and dedication to the sport. Under his leadership and contributions, Claflin made consecutive appearances at the NAIA National Championship Tournament, showcasing the program’s competitive strength during that era.

The awards and tournament appearances weren’t just resume builders—they were proof that Tee Morant had what it took to play basketball at a high level. Professional opportunities, particularly overseas where American players found lucrative careers in European leagues, seemed within reach.

However, Tee’s professional basketball dreams would never materialize. The university itself would transition to NCAA Division II in 2005, years after Tee had left, but his legacy at Claflin remained. He proved that talent and determination could thrive at HBCUs, and his time there shaped the coaching philosophy he would later use with his own children.

Why didn’t he turn pro? The answer would come down to one life-changing moment that redefined his priorities completely.

The Turning Point: Choosing Family Over Basketball

The trajectory of Tee Morant’s life changed forever when Jamie, his high school sweetheart and college girlfriend, delivered unexpected news: she was pregnant. This moment presented Tee with a decision that countless young athletes face—pursue personal dreams or embrace family responsibility.

Jamie herself was an athlete—a talented point guard and softball player who understood the competitive fire that drove Tee. Their relationship had been built on shared athletic experiences and mutual support, but pregnancy brought new realities that required difficult choices.

Tee had concrete opportunities to play professional basketball overseas, where American players often built successful careers in European and Asian leagues. The money, the travel, the chance to extend his playing career—all of it was within reach. But accepting those opportunities would mean being absent during the formative years of his child’s life, something Tee simply couldn’t accept.

The decision to abandon his overseas basketball career and stay home wasn’t made lightly, but once made, Tee never looked back. He took a job as a barber to support his family, trading the spotlight and travel of professional basketball for the stability and presence his family needed.

In interviews, Tee has expressed no regrets about this choice. Instead, he speaks about it as the catalyst that shaped his entire parenting philosophy. Because he sacrificed his dreams, he became determined to give Ja every opportunity that he himself couldn’t have. This wasn’t about living vicariously through his son—it was about ensuring that talent, when combined with opportunity and dedication, wouldn’t go to waste.

This turning point transformed Tee from a promising player into something arguably more important: a present, engaged father who understood exactly what it took to compete at the highest levels and was willing to invest everything into helping his son achieve it.

Tee Morant’s Family Life

Wife Jamie Morant

Jamie Morant isn’t just Tee’s wife—she’s his partner in creating an athletic dynasty. A former point guard and softball player herself, Jamie understood the dedication and sacrifice required in competitive sports. Their relationship began in high school and continued through college, built on shared experiences on the court and field.

Jamie’s own athletic background meant she could contribute meaningfully to her children’s development. She understood the mental toughness required, the disappointment of losses, and the discipline needed for improvement. While Tee often takes the spotlight with his courtside presence, Jamie’s role in Ja’s success runs just as deep.

Their partnership in raising athletes involved division of responsibilities—Tee handled much of the technical basketball training, while Jamie provided emotional support and balance. Together, they created an environment where athletic excellence was expected but where family values remained central.

Children: Ja and Teniya Morant

Son: Ja Morant was born on August 10, 1999, inheriting not just his father’s name—Temetrius Jamel Morant—but also his athletic genes and competitive fire. From early childhood, Tee recognized Ja’s potential and committed to developing it through unconventional training methods and unwavering accountability.

Daughter: Teniya Morant, born February 16, 2005, also inherited the family’s athletic DNA. While she doesn’t face the same spotlight as her NBA star brother, Teniya has pursued her own athletic endeavors, demonstrating that the Morant athletic legacy extends beyond just Ja.

Both children grew up in an environment where sports weren’t just recreational—they were a family language, a way of teaching life lessons, and a path toward opportunities. Tee and Jamie’s approach created athletes who understood that talent alone wasn’t enough; dedication, mental toughness, and accountability separated the good from the great.

Tee Morant as Ja’s Coach and Mentor

Tee Morant’s coaching philosophy could be summarized in one word: accountability. Unlike many sports parents who coddle their children or make excuses for poor performance, Tee demanded excellence and wasn’t afraid to deliver harsh but loving criticism.

The backyard of the Morant home became Ja’s first training ground. Tee’s creative methods included using tractor tires to build Ja’s jumping ability—an unconventional approach that produced remarkable results. He taught Ja the step-back jump shot that would become one of his signature moves, drilling the mechanics until they became second nature.

Tee pushed Ja to compete against older, stronger opponents, believing that comfort bred complacency. If Ja was the best player in his age group, Tee moved him up to face tougher competition. This approach built not just skills but mental resilience—Ja learned early that excuses wouldn’t be accepted and that improvement required confronting challenges head-on.

This coaching philosophy extends to Tee’s famous courtside moments at Memphis Grizzlies games. Television cameras frequently catch Tee vocally critiquing Ja’s play, celebrating great performances while also calling out mistakes. To outsiders, this might seem harsh, but it reflects Tee’s core belief: accountability over coddling produces greatness.

When Ja faced suspensions in 2023 related to gun incidents on social media, Tee’s response surprised some observers. Rather than making excuses or attacking the league, Tee supported the NBA’s decisions, recognizing that accountability applies off the court as well. In ESPN interviews, he acknowledged that consequences for poor decisions are part of growing up and that protecting Ja from accountability would undermine everything he’d tried to teach him.

This consistency—demanding the same accountability in success and failure, on and off the court—defines Tee’s mentoring approach and has been crucial to Ja’s development as both a player and a person.

Notable Incidents and Controversies

Tee Morant’s passionate courtside presence has occasionally crossed into controversial territory. His intensity, while generally channeled toward supporting Ja, has sometimes resulted in confrontations that made headlines.

The most famous incident involved Shannon Sharpe, the Hall of Fame tight end and sports media personality, during a Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies game. The altercation, which included heated words between Tee and Sharpe, required security intervention and dominated sports media coverage for days. Both parties later addressed the incident, with Sharpe and the Morant family eventually resolving their differences, but it highlighted how Tee’s protective instincts could sometimes manifest in problematic ways.

Tee has also been ejected from games for his vocal criticism of referees and opposing players. While many parents might be embarrassed by such incidents, Tee seems unbothered by public perception, prioritizing his role as Ja’s biggest supporter over concerns about media criticism.

ESPN articles and sports media coverage have explored Tee’s polarizing presence—he’s a figure people either love or hate, with little middle ground. Some view him as a refreshingly authentic parent who refuses to be silent, while others see his behavior as crossing professional boundaries and setting poor examples.

Tee’s response to media criticism has been consistent: he’s there to support his son, not to win popularity contests. His media personality status—cultivated through countless viral courtside moments—has made him a recognizable figure in NBA culture, for better or worse.

What’s undeniable is that Tee’s presence creates conversations. Whether you agree with his methods or not, his commitment to being present and vocal has made him one of the most recognizable NBA parents in modern basketball.

Current Career and Business Ventures

At 46 years old, Tee Morant has built a multifaceted career that extends well beyond his identity as Ja’s father. As an entrepreneur, Tee has leveraged his platform and business acumen to create income streams independent of his son’s NBA success. While specific venture details aren’t always publicized, his entrepreneurial pursuits reflect the same determination that drove his athletic career.

As a basketball coach, Tee works with young athletes, sharing the training philosophies and accountability-focused approaches that shaped Ja’s development. His coaching isn’t limited to Memphis—his reputation has attracted families seeking the no-nonsense, results-oriented training that produced an NBA All-Star.

Tee’s media personality status has grown organically through his courtside appearances and viral moments. His social media presence engages fans who appreciate his authenticity and unfiltered approach to supporting his son. Unlike many celebrity family members who carefully curate their public image, Tee remains unapologetically himself—passionate, critical, and completely invested in Ja’s success.

His regular courtside appearances at Memphis Grizzlies games have become expected—fans look for Tee’s reactions, and broadcast cameras frequently capture his emotional investment in each game. This visibility has created opportunities for endorsements and public speaking, though Tee remains selective about which opportunities align with his values.

Working with young athletes allows Tee to share not just basketball skills but life lessons about sacrifice, accountability, and the mental toughness required for success. His involvement in Ja’s career remains strong—while Ja has professional coaches and trainers, Tee’s input and perspective continue to influence his son’s approach to basketball and life.

Tee Morant Net Worth and Physical Stats

Tee Morant’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million to $5 million, accumulated through his entrepreneurship, coaching career, potential endorsements, and business ventures. While this pales in comparison to Ja’s approximately $80 million net worth (including his NBA contract and endorsement deals), Tee’s financial success is impressive for someone who abandoned professional basketball aspirations in his early twenties.

His income sources are diverse:

• Entrepreneurship: Business ventures that leverage his platform and connections
• Coaching: Private training sessions and basketball camps
• Media opportunities: Appearances, interviews, and potential endorsement deals related to his public profile

Physically, Tee stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and maintains a weight around 154 lbs (70 kg). His relatively compact build reflects his playing style—quick, agile, and built for the guard position. At 46, Tee maintains his fitness through continued basketball activity and training, demonstrating that his commitment to physical excellence didn’t end when his playing career did.

His height and build are similar to many successful NBA guards, and his ability to maintain his conditioning into his mid-forties speaks to the discipline he preaches to young athletes. Tee understands that credibility as a coach requires walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

The Ray Allen Connection

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tee Morant’s basketball story is his connection to Ray Allen, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history and a Hall of Famer. As teammates at Hillcrest High School, Tee and Ray shared the court during formative years when both showed NBA-level talent.

Ray Allen’s career trajectory—from high school star to UConn standout to 18-year NBA career including two championships—represents the path Tee might have taken under different circumstances. Both players possessed the skills, work ethic, and basketball IQ to compete at the highest levels, but their paths diverged dramatically.

While Ray pursued his basketball dreams all the way to the Hall of Fame, Tee chose family over professional basketball. There’s no bitterness in Tee’s recollection of this divergence—instead, he speaks about his high school teammate with pride and respect.

Do they still keep in touch? While specific details of their current relationship aren’t widely publicized, the shared history creates a bond that transcends their different career outcomes. Ray Allen has occasionally referenced his high school days, though specific comments about Tee are limited in public records.

What’s most interesting is how this connection illustrates the fine margins in sports careers. Two talented teammates, both with professional potential, whose lives took completely different directions based on personal circumstances and choices. Tee’s willingness to embrace his decision—rather than dwelling on “what might have been”—demonstrates the maturity that would later define his parenting approach.

Tee Morant’s Legacy Beyond Ja

While Tee Morant will always be known primarily as Ja’s father, his legacy extends into several important areas that deserve recognition.

His impact on youth basketball in South Carolina continues through his coaching and mentoring. Young athletes who train with Tee receive more than basketball skills—they learn about accountability, mental toughness, and the sacrifices required for success. His training methods, honed through Ja’s development, are now influencing a new generation of players.

Tee’s parenting philosophy has sparked conversations about how to support young athletes without enabling them. In an era where helicopter parenting and excuse-making are common, Tee’s accountability-focused approach offers an alternative model. He proves that loving your child and demanding their best aren’t contradictory—they’re complementary.

Breaking stereotypes of sports dads, Tee demonstrates that being present and vocal doesn’t mean being overbearing or living vicariously through your child. His involvement in Ja’s career stems from expertise and sacrifice, not unfulfilled personal ambitions. The distinction matters—Tee had his chance and made his choice; Ja’s success isn’t about validating Tee’s sacrifice but about maximizing the opportunities that sacrifice created.

The importance of being present runs through Tee’s entire story. His decision to stay home rather than pursue overseas basketball was fundamentally about presence—being there for the small moments, the daily training sessions, the challenges and triumphs. This presence created the foundation for Ja’s development in ways that weekend visits or summer training camps never could have achieved.

Tee’s story provides inspiration for other parents navigating the complex world of youth sports. His example shows that supporting your child’s athletic dreams doesn’t require wealth, connections, or elite facilities—it requires knowledge, creativity, consistency, and unwavering commitment to their development as both athletes and people.

FAQs About Tee Morant Age and Life

How old is Tee Morant in 2026?

Tee Morant is 46 years old in 2026, born on November 15, 1978.

What is Tee Morant’s real full name?

His full name is Temetrius Jamel Morant, identical to his son Ja Morant’s legal name.

Did Tee Morant play in the NBA?

No, he did not play in the NBA. He played college basketball at Claflin University and chose family over playing professionally overseas.

Who did Tee Morant play high school basketball with?

Tee Morant was teammates with future Hall of Famer Ray Allen at Hillcrest High School.

What does Tee Morant do for a living now?

He works as an entrepreneur and basketball coach and also maintains a media personality presence.

How much is Tee Morant worth?

Tee Morant’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $5 million from various ventures.

Is Tee Morant younger than other NBA dads?

Yes. At 46, he’s relatively young compared to most NBA fathers, which contributes to his energetic and visible presence.

Conclusion

Tee Morant, at 46 years old in 2026, represents far more than just an NBA star’s father. His journey from promising player alongside Ray Allen to sacrificing professional basketball overseas for family responsibilities showcases character that transcends sports.

The strict critic and passionate supporter we see courtside at Memphis Grizzlies games is a man who chose presence over glory, accountability over excuses, and family legacy over personal achievement.

As Ja’s career continues evolving, Tee’s influence—both as mentor and example—remains undeniable in shaping one of basketball’s brightest stars.