FSU's Hamilton compares Morant to Magic Johnson

Murray State's Ja Morant is turning heads at the NCAA Tournament, and Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton is among those noticing the high-flying sophomore.

"He's one of the most exceptional players that I've had a chance to watch play," Hamilton said on Friday ahead of Saturday's Round of 32 matchup against Murray State, according to ESPN's Myron Medcalf.

"He's kind of a throwback to guys who have the ability to score points. But (he) also has the passion and the excitement about creating opportunities for his teammates, guys like a Nate Archibald who can lead the NBA in scoring and lead in assists at the same time. A guy like Magic Johnson, who got so much joy making the game easy for his teammates."

Morant led the way during the Racers' Round of 64 upset of Marquette, tallying a 17-point, 16-assist, 11-rebound triple-double - only the eighth in the history of the men's tournament.

Overall this season, the 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game.