By Alex Madrid / info@eurohoops.net
For US players the games in Europe can be peculiar, because “it’s funny because you meet players you grew up with or played against“.
The number of players who make a career in the old continent after going through college is innumerable. And two Michigan Wolverines were reunited in Week 6 of Basketball Champions League. Both had a terrific success back in their college days and now they stand out in the old continent.
Manny Harris of AEK BC destroyed Olimpija with 26 points, 5 assists, and 8 boards while his former teammate Jordan Morgan also had an outstanding performance as he finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds for the losing side.
But at the end, it was all about a picture.
Ten years ago Manny Harris played his first game for the Wolverines and since the first campus days, he became the best player in the team. When the point guard arrived Michigan wasn’t a tough rival as they didn’t take part in an NCAA Tournament since 1998.
Four years later, AEK’s Harris achieved his major accomplishment, and it wasn’t his 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game: Michigan was a competitive college again.
Jordan Morgan coincided with Harris in his last year and he had a lesser impact on the team mainly due to injuries. However, with the older point guard gone, Morgan stepped up and helped Michigan secure the Big Ten title.
Tim Hardaway Jr, Trey Burke, Nik Stauskas… Those well-known names played alongside Jordan Morgan.
The center was a great team player and also had a great team success as he achieved four NCAA final tournament appearances under coach John Beilein.
Some years after college Manny Harris and Jordan Morgan were back in Michigan. This summer both participated in a free agent minicamp with Detroit Pistons and despite their NBA dreams didn’t come true, destiny had something to say about them meeting again of all places in Athens, Greece.
Did you miss the Wolverines reunion? You will have another chance to watch them on January the 30th. AEK will travel to Ljubljana where Jordan Morgan will face his former teammate Manny Harris. Once again.