University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond Basketball Signs Two to National Letter of Intent
12/20/2000 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 17, 2000
RICHMOND, Va. - University of Richmond head coach John Beilein announced Friday the signing of two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the upcoming 2000-2001 academic year. Joining the Spiders program next year will be 6-1 guard Jason Morton (Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Christian) and 6-8 forward Patrick O'Malley (Charleston, W.Va./George Washington).
Morton, having transferred to Charlotte Christian for his senior season, averaged just over 20 points a game last year at Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry, Va. The quick athletic guard shot 53% from the field and 43% from three-point territory and was all-prep selection. At Charlotte Christian, Morton is coached by former North Carolina Tar Heel great Bobby Jones.
"He is a tremendous shooter, he will be in the line of great shooters that have gone through the program," said Beilein. "He is quick, strong and very intelligent and can play either guard position. He brings a great package to Richmond."
O'Malley competes at George Washington High School in Charleston, W. Va.. The 6-8 forward averaged 15.8 points and 10 rebounds per game last year. He helped lead George Washington to a 15-8 record and an appearance in the state AAA semifinals last season. O'Malley has been named a preseason all-state selection.
"Patrick has the perimeter type of skills to shoot and score from deep but he also can put the ball on the floor," Beilein remarked. "We are searching for a replacement for (senior) Greg Stevenson and we think Patrick is going to be one of those people that can step in and fill the role."