Senior Daniel Moore agreed to walk on for the Hoosiers last month. The 5'10", 165 lb guard out of Carmel, Indiana, averaged 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists for the Carmel HS Greyhounds. IUplanet caught up with Moore yesterday for his thoughts on IU and his future here.
The hard-working Moore is one of two talented walk-ons for 2008
Correct.
What factors influenced your decision?
A lot of my family is from Bloomington, a lot of them have gone to IU, and it’s a place that I had always wanted to go to. It was just a great opportunity academically. It meant giving up a little more playing time, but IU was always where I wanted to be, and it turned out to be a great fit.
So when you found out that you got the spot, was it a difficult decision to turn down the scholarship?
Yea, it was really difficult, obviously, because it’s a free ride to school, so it was tough. But I’m just thankful that I don’t have to take a scholarship, and that financially I can go where I want to go, without having to take a scholarship.
Can you describe the process of walking on a little bit?
I’m a preferred walk-on, so I was brought on the team. I’ll be working out with the other incoming freshmen in the summer.
What are your thoughts on Coach Crean and his success recruiting?
I like him a lot, I can understand why he’s getting a lot of guys. He’s a very fundamental and upfront guy. He’s a great talker, he tells you how it is, and he makes you excited to want to be a part of Indiana basketball. So I’m not surprised at all that he’s getting some guys, even with as little time as he’s been there.
What would you say your main strengths are on the court?
I think I can be a spark off the bench, I play with a lot of energy, so hopefully I can find a role where I can help the team and try to be good at it.
You averaged 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists this season, were named to first-team senior all-state, and led your team to 22 wins and a spot in the state championship game. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’d have to see being an Indiana All-Star, that’s something that I’ve always wanted to be. I was named an All-Star about three weeks ago, and that’s something that I’m really proud of, because some of the best players to ever come to Indiana have been Indiana All-Stars. That’s my most proud accomplishment.
Are you familiar with any of the other incoming recruits for 2008 or 2009?
Yea, I played AAU with
Matt Roth two summers ago, and
Kory Barnett is also walking on. I’m pretty good friends with him, and I’m living with him next year. When I was visiting Coach Crean, I met Tom Pritchard too, he was there at the same time I was. I’ve met a couple of the guys, and I know a couple of the other guys from other places.
Any idea of what you might want to study?
I’m undecided right now, but probably something to do with business.
Are you planning on coming down early this summer and taking classes?
Yea, I’ll be there for the second session of summer school. I graduate in June, so I won’t be able to go to the first session.
Congratulations to Daniel on this great accomplishment! An interview with fellow walk-on Kory Barnett will be coming soon.
Interview with fellow walk-on Kory Barnett
Discuss Moore and IU's walk-on program in the forums.
Related links:
IU's Crean gets nibbles from 2 top recruits | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
IndyStar.com | Preps | The Indianapolis Star
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