For the first time as a pro, Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant plays close to home in Ohio to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday.

Prior to being selected second overall in this year's draft, the 20-year-old guard suited up for two years at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. It is a three-and-a-half hour drive from the Cavaliers' home floor.

A legion of Murray State fans made sure to support their beloved point guard in the flesh, as they made the trip to Ohio donning Morant's collegiate and Grizzlies jerseys.

Ja Morant acknowledged the love, as he mingled with his die-hard fans prior to tip-off. Since leaving Murray State, the 6-foot-3 guard has taken the league by storm and is currently the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award.

Morant is averaging 18.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.0 steals in 35 games for the Grizzlies while knocking down 49.4 percent of his field goals and 40.7 percent of his three-point attempts.

His inspired play has also given Memphis new hope, as they enter Friday's match on a six-game winning streak. The Grizzlies are currently eighth place in the West with a 19-22 slate.

—

Follow ClutchPoints on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook. We can also be found on Flipboard where you can subscribe and follow us.

All of our NBA content can be found on the NBA section of the ClutchPoints home page here. For all of our college basketball content, click here.

Follow NBA games live by downloading the ClutchPoints App and heading to the scores tab under the NBA section.

You can listen and subscribe to the Battle for LA podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Soundcloud. You can also find new episodes of Battle for LA, the ClutchPoints NBA Podcast, and Establish the Pass under the Podcast tab on the ClutchPoints home page.