A March 2020 fan vote on Twitter saw Jackrabbit fans select Michael Orris' game-winning shot in the 2017 Summit League Championship semifinals as the No. 1 moment in South Dakota State's men's basketball history. GoJacks.com caught up with Orris to discuss life changes, being a father and the moment that will live with him forever. The Orris Family: Michael, Kierra,
Malachi and Micah What's new in the life of Michael Orris?
So much is new. I made the decision once our twins, Micah and Malachi were born, that I would step away from playing basketball. I could've played in the NBA G-League again this season after doing it for about a year and a half, but my wife Kierra and I decided it was best for me to be home more. We moved back to the Chicago area last fall and live about five minutes away from my parents. I've been working as an insurance agent and do some basketball training for boys and girls, fifth grade through college.
You mentioned the twins. How's dad life?
I've had two dreams in life – being a husband, and a father. I've looked forward to being a dad, and it's the greatest thing in the world. It's cliché, I know. Micah and Malachi turned one on January 27, 2020 and they're walking around and babbling like crazy. They give my wife and I a run for our money, but every time I get to see their faces, or just sit back and watch them play, I just think, "wow, is this special."
You mentioned you stepped away from playing basketball, but the game is still a big part of your life.
The game is really special now, because for me it's all about giving back. I went through so much in my career – three different schools, coaches, teammates and conference – I've really experienced a lot in college basketball. Now though, I just want to give back and pour what I know into younger kids. My goal is to be a Division I head coach, so I'm working on that. I want to be a mentor and help guide student-athletes – either on the men's or women's side – to an unbelievable student-athlete experience.
You were a Jackrabbit for only one season, but your shot was voted the top moment in history.
It's insane. It puts me at a loss for words. Out of all the great moments, the fact that I was a part of the fan's favorite is kind of unfathomable. I was only there one year, but I wish I had spent all four years there. That's how much I love the University, the fans, teammates, everything. I created bonds that will last forever during my short time at SDSU.
I watched every game this past year, and my wife makes fun of me because I use "we" all the time when I talk about the Jackrabbits, like I'm still on the team. I love what South Dakota State stands for on and off the court, and I am such a huge fan.
It's been four years, but what do you remember about the play?
It's been that long? What a game. You had the missed free throw, and then we had to go. We didn't have a timeout or anything. It was an action where we read and reacted, rather than a set play. I remember trying to get to the right to be able to get it to Mike Daum, but I almost ran into him. I knew we didn't have much time on the clock and weren't going to be able to run around the floor to reset. I got to the left side, dribbled a bit, pulled up, set up and took the shot. It's a shot I've probably taken thousands of time and put countless hours into making. That muscle memory came through.
Do you still get asked about the shot?
You know, (former Jackrabbit) Chris Howell, who is one of my best friends after our time at SDSU, and I were at the Summit League Championship this year, and he asked if I think about the shot. I don't really unless others bring it up, or when my dad talks about it because he is so proud. Chris laughed, though, and said, "that was the craziest moment of my life."
You hit that shot, but the next night you still had to go out and beat Omaha. You did that, and there's some pretty powerful photos of you falling to your knees while the team is celebrating.
I think that moment was just surreal for me, and I just couldn't control falling to my knees and thanking God for Him allowing me to accomplish that.
I went to an NCAA Tournament my freshman year at Kansas State, but we were a top 25 team all season and knew that win or lose in the Big 12 Tournament, we'd make the NCAA Tournament. That was so different than SDSU, though, because we were only in if we won the championship. After such an up-and-down year, to get it done was just too much to bear. Every kid, every college basketball player dreams of making the dance, and we did it. It was special.
