Playing in Murray, Kentucky for two years gave Ja Morant a familiarity of the Memphis area since it is just three hours from his college campus.
Morant was at the FedEx Forum Friday for his introductory news conference where he posed for pictures, answered questions and when it was over he signed a few autographs for fans who were there at the building.
For Morant, the bright lights of the NBA will not change who he is.
"I'm still going to be the same Ja", he said.
"I don't think that will ever change. Obviously, where I came from and my story, I'm always going to play with a chip on my shoulder. I'm not going to try to force anything. I'm just going to go out and play my game and do whatever I can to help the team."