“Growing up. We never had any famous athletes come back to talk to us. To see any players or former players you had to go to Baltimore or D.C. (Washington),” says the native from Frederick, Maryland. Standing at a solid 6’10, former Maryland Terrapins, NBA, and 2008 All-Euro League First Teamer Terence Morris is not hard to miss in any crowd. And on today he stands in front of a crowd that appreciates him more for his presence than his jump shot. Morris has teamed up with Play With Purpose Sports Non-Profit and the Woodlands United Methodist Church Summer Camp to help raise funds and awareness for underprivileged kids through Angel Reach.

Angel Reach is a program designed to help kids who are in need of foster care receive services and to help those families with kids currently in their homes. “Most kids need school supplies, toiletries, financial assistance, etc. They even require help in the transition program for when they become adults and need assistance finding a job or going to school,” says the camp supervisor who only wanted to be known as Garrett.

Through the partnership, Morris was able to speak with the crowd at the camp to express his gratitude for being part of such a wonderful program. He also led cheers for his good friend and 2016 Dunk Kings (TNT) participant Emmerich Grimm aka “Dunkzilla.” After the program, Morris signed autographs and posed for photos.

The former Houston Rockets Power Forward spoke with Houston Style about what life is like after basketball.

HSM: You were drafted in 2001 in the 2nd round by the Atlanta Hawks, correct?

Terence Morris: I didn’t even make it through the interview before I found out I was traded (laughs as he tries to finish the story). The guy was talking to me and then I find out I was traded to the Houston Rockets. I said no more interviews because I might get traded again.

HSM: How is life after basketball?

Morris: I am not going to lie. It is difficult at first. Especially when you are use to being on a schedule your whole life. The first couple of years when I was done I felt I was free to do whatever I wanted to do. From traveling, sleeping, being able to eat what I wanted to because of no diet restrictions, etc. Literally doing what I wanted to do. And then I got bored. So, I decided to get back into basketball and do some personal training and teaching of the basic fundamentals of basketball.

HSM: Do you miss it?

Morris: Yes, all the time. Watching the games, I can still recognize why a guy misses a shot or what angle he should have taken. Things the average fan does not see.

HSM: What is the difference in playing overseas and playing in the NBA?

Morris: There is a lot of pressure being an American basketball player in a different country because they expect us to dominate no matter what. No such thing as in between. You must put in work or find yourself on a different team. Most fans have the mindset of since you were in the NBA this should be no problem to you. What they don’t realize is there is a lot of talent overseas. There are guys who have been playing professional basketball since they were teenagers (Ricky Rubio - Minnesota Timberwolves, Tony Parker – San Antonio Spurs). Also adapting to the culture and learning the language is as difficult as being on the court. If you don’t have an open mind you can break down easily. I’ve seen it all the time over there.

Morris on NBA today

HSM: Do you feel that Golden State Warriors Forward Kevin Durant did anything wrong?

Morris: He didn’t do anything wrong because he played out his contract and was a free agent. The problem may be in how he did it. (Morris expressed that it is a year later and he is still having conversations with his friends about this same subject). It was the team he went to. Not the reason he left. He could have gone to any other team and been fine. But not to the team you had on the ropes 3-1. Maybe some fans wanted to see the competitive side of him.

HSM: What would you say to the potential draft picks in the 2017 NBA Draft?

Morris: One. Good Luck. Two. Never forget that for however big of a name you become. It’s still a business at the end of the day. You can be on the billboard one day and be the coach’s favorite player. The next day the owner has found someone to do the same job for cheaper. So, if you remember that and keep doing the things that got you to the NBA you will be fine. Make sure you relish in the opportunity to be in the upper echelon of basketball players in the world.

Now I would be doing you all a disservice if I didn’t mention Mr. Morris’s support system that includes his wife Katie and their two children Olivia (5) and Max (3). “My husband is a very humble man. Most wouldn’t know his background and what he had to overcome to achieve all the accolades people recognize today. I am and have always felt honored to be not just his wife, but a witness to his contribution to basketball and to give back,” says his lovely spouse. She went on to add that basketball has provided the platform for them to get involved in the lives of children and help on a consistent basis.

Before we left the facility, I had to ask Terence one more important question that had been eating me up on the inside. It was a question that I needed an answer to or I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. I looked him right in the eyes and asked. “Did you know that you are one of ESPN’s Sports Anchor Scott Van Pelt’s favorite players? He never hesitates to bring up your name as part of the 2001 University of Maryland that led the team to its first NCAA Division 1 Final Four.” Morris couldn’t do anything but laugh.

Morris is an upstanding guy who is continuing to give back to his community as he keeps court in session. You can find out more information on Terence Morris @ www.morrisprivatetraining.com.