Cheyney University Interim Athletic Director Suzanne Kilian announced Dawud Morris as the Acting Head Men’s Basketball Coach.
Morris, an assistant coach on the men’s basketball team at Cheyney University since 2012, was instrumental in recruiting many of the players currently on the team. He is extremely familiar with the staff, and his passion for Cheyney and his players is second to none.
Kilian believes Morris is an excellent asset to Cheyney. “Coach Morris brings youth, energy and enthusiasm to the program.”
While Morris has never been a head coach, Kilian says he will have experienced help. “I believe his knowledge will be enhanced, with some of the volunteers who will be stepping in to help him, and I am looking forward to seeing how the men progress this season.”
As a member of the Wolves teams from 2006-2008, Morris played an integral part of the squad that went onto the NCAAs in 2008. He has played and coached all positions on the floor and believes that this knowledge will aid in the development of student-athletes at Cheyney.
Morris feels that he is ready to be the voice that the players hear. “As an assistant, you have to defer to the head coach even if you don’t agree. My greatest strength is my leadership and motivation, getting the team to work together and focusing on team and not individual goals.”
Coach Morris played a key role in developing two PSAC Freshman of the Year winners. Brandon Norfleet, who earned the honor following the 2012-13 season, and Kevin Larkin, who was named PSAC and ECAC Freshman of the Year in 2014-15. Morris also aided in the development of Deshawn Curtis ’14 who has gone on to a professional career overseas.
Morris likes what he has seen from the players so far. “We have great cohesion. This is a very tight group that knows that we have to do this as a team if we want to be successful.” We will play the right way, Morris added. We’ll pattern our style of play after the San Antonio Spurs; tenacious defense, great ball and player movement, unselfishness and balance. It’s the way I played as a player and it’s the way I coach.”
After graduating from Cheyney University in 2009 with a degree in business, Dawud chose to take his talents to the professional level where he played in the United Kingdom for the Milton Keynes Lions for one season. He was named Newcomer of the Year, received a leadership achievement award and a certificate of appreciation award by the fans.
A Philadelphia native, Morris played high school basketball at Strawberry Mansion High School. He was a major contributor in the Knights 24-4 overall record and Public League Championship during the 2001-2002 season. Morris was named Most Valuable Player of the championship contest against Northeast High School, which was led by NBA All-Star guard, Kyle Lowry. After graduation, Morris attended Lackawanna Junior College for two seasons.
Morris is married to the former Jessica Fulton, a former Cheyney student-athlete. They reside in Philadelphia with their three daughters, Taylor, Brooke and Jourdyn.
The Wolves open the season at West Liberty University on Friday, November 11 in the MEC/PSAC Conference Challenge. On Saturday, Cheyney will take on Notre Dame College, (Ohio). West Chester University will be other PSAC representative heading to West Liberty.
