HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 21: Murray State Racers guard Ja Morant (12) with the ball during the basketball game between Murray State Racers and Marquette Golden Eagles on March 21, 2019, at the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

FSU's Hamilton compares Morant to Magic Johnson

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Icon Sportswire / Getty

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.

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