November 13, 2021
Santa Monica, Calif. –
Santa Monica College Men's Basketball 6-6 Redshirt Sophomore PG Daiquan Copeland signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career on the first day of the early signing period at Morgan State University, a NCAA Division I athletic participant. Copeland, a transfer from Frank Philips College, hails from Philadelphia, PA and he is excited to be headed closer to home and play for Head Coach Kevin Broadus.
"What drew me to Morgan State was all the positive reviews I received on Coach Broadus and being closer to my mom and little sister - that was very important to me. The visit felt like being back home, and I just felt comfortable," said Copeland.
In the 2019-2020 season, Copeland averaged 12.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists for Frank Philips College. He tallied season highs of 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists during his time there.
"I believe my fit at Morgan State is just to be myself and come in and have an immediate impact. I believe the coaching staff is expecting me to lead and make plays for myself and others," explained Copeland. "Morgan State fans should expect me to play hard every night and put on a show."
Copeland has gotten off to a fantastic start in his first three games as a Corsair. He is averaging 13 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting a blazing 84.2% from the field and 100% from three-point range.
"I am happy for Daiquan," shared Associate Head Coach Marcus Bryant. "Coming from Philly, we don't get many opportunities to do something positive for ourselves and our family. He's going to provide Morgan State with big play-making ability, and he will put them in position to win a lot of games. It's a good match for Daiquan and Morgan State University."
"Daiquan has a great feel for the game. His ability to set up and find his teammates for scoring opportunities is uncanny. He is a great person and is very humble. We feel he is one of the most talented players in California Juco basketball this season. Head Coach Kevin Broadus was great during his recruitment process. He showed a great commitment to Daiquan and coveted his abilities as a player," said Head Coach Joshua Thomas.
Morgan State University is a HBCU located in Balitmore, Maryland. Morgan State participates in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
"I want to thank my coaches at Santa Monica College. Thank you, Coach Marcus for giving me an outlet and Coach Josh for challenging me early on. I want to thank Coach Broadus for believing in me at my worst. It's a lot of other people I want to thank as far as family and friends that supported me, but my career has always been altered by coaches and these three coaches gave me a shot. That is all I ever needed," said Copeland.