Henricksen: Kenwood’s Zion Morgan chooses Valparaiso

A program that has made a concerted effort to recruit Chicago and the state of Illinois landed another one on Friday.

Kenwood guard Zion Morgan, one of the top 20 prospects in the Class of 2016 in Illinois, committed to Valparaiso and coach Bryce Drew.

The tight-knit feel of the Valparaiso program stood out to Morgan throughout the recruiting process. He then saw it firsthand on his official visit and knew it was the place for him to play his college basketball.

“It’s the best family program,” Morgan said of the unique atmosphere he felt at Valparaiso. “They showed the most interest, showed the most love and really made me feel wanted. Most importantly, they made me feel the most comfortable.”

The fact there are several Illinois products on the Valpo roster certainly didn’t hurt.

“I got to know all of them pretty well,” says Morgan of the familiarity he has with the players in the program. “They treated me like a little brother and that really stood out to me, just how they treat one another and how it really is like a family there.”

Morgan will follow in the footsteps of former Illinois prep stars like Keith Carter (Proviso East), Jubril Adekoya (Andrew), Alec Peters (Washington), Darien Walker (Simeon) and Lexus Williams (Marist) as the next player to cross the Illinois-Indiana border.

Morgan says he will now begin recruiting Kenwood teammate Nick Robinson, who also has Valparaiso high on his list.

The 6-3 guard is a versatile perimeter player who defends and can play multiple positions. Morgan says the Valparaiso staff has plans of playing Morgan at the point guard position, which is where he says he wants to play in college.

“I just want to go in and help the program any way I can,” says Morgan.

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