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5 questions with Villanova’s Justin Moore

Justin Moore is aiming to lead Villanova back to national prominence. After missing the first 21 games of last season due to a torn achilles tendon, Moore returned to the Wildcats in late January and led Villanova to a strong finish which was headlined by back-to-back wins over Xavier and Creighton. I caught up with Moore this week in Philadelphia to discuss his health, the Wildcats’ loaded transfer class, and what he hopes to accomplish in his final season of college basketball.

Jon Rothstein: How would you describe what the last 18 months have been like for you after you suffered a torn achilles tendon in the 2022 Elite Eight against Houston?

Justin Moore: It’s been a lot of ups and downs. It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been fun. It’s part of the journey. You’ve got your highs and you’ve got your lows. I’m just glad to be back with the team — be full blast — and be ready to go.

Rothstein: Coach (Kyle) Neptune recently said that you were probably about 70 percent last season when you came back to the lineup. What was it like coming back after such a long layoff?

Moore: It was tough. I wasn’t able to do things that I used to be able to do. Trying to jump in during the season when guys are at their best — that was tough. But I loved the challenge. It was fun going out there and competing until the end of the season.

Rothstein: What elements can we expect to see from your game during the upcoming season that we didn’t see last year when you were returned from injury?

Moore: I think everything can be taken to another level, especially my versatility on both ends of the court. My speed and agility — my explosion — everything is coming back to where it’s supposed to be.

Rothstein: The coaching staff added major reinforcements during the offseason with four transfers — TJ Bamba (Washington State), Hakim Hart (Maryland), Tyler Burton (Richmond), Lance Ware (Kentucky) — via the transfer portal. What’s been your early impressions of the newcomers?

Moore: They have great talent, but the biggest thing is they’re great guys. They want to win, but they’re not about themselves or me or anyone else. They’re about the team. It’s great to have guys like that in this program.

Rothstein: It’s been a rare thing for Villanova to miss the NCAA Tournament, but that’s what happened last season. As you take that into the preseason, what are the biggest things that you hope to accomplish during your final year of college basketball?

Moore: I think it’s important to not think right now about the end of the season or making the NCAA Tournament. We just want to think about the process of becoming the best team that we can be by the end of the season. Whatever that this, we’ll take it and be proud of it.

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