Josh Moore (born November 16, 1980 in Newark, New Jersey) is an American professional basketball player and actor. Moore played his professional basketball in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers, in China and Iran. He played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines and is known for his scoring ability. Moore was listed at 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m), 317 lb (144 kg), and is a cousin of NBA Star Shaquille O'Neal.[1]
Biography
High school
Moore ranked 26th overall in the ABCD Camp 1999 senior class rankings and the 4th best low post player in the country.[2] Moore was consistently ranked among the top 50 prep players in the country by amateur ranking publications.
Played for legendary coach Bob Hurley at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey for three seasons, where he won a USA Today high school basketball national championship in 1996 and was a two time New Jersey boys' basketball All State selection.[3]
Finished his high school career at St. Thomas More School (Oakdale, CT) where he averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds in his senior campaign on his way to receiving a McDonald's high school basketball All American nomination.
Contrary to reports, Moore was never enrolled in any other academic institutions prior to attending the University of Michigan. Moore had previously made verbal commitments to UCLA and Rutgers before deciding on Michigan
University of Michigan(2000–02)
Freshman (2000–01): Averaged 4.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 11.8 minutes a contest. Started five games.
Sophomore (2001–02): Averaged 5.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per contest.
Amidst turmoil and scandal within the University's athletic department, Moore was never able to find his form at the collegiate level, consistently finding himself in foul trouble due to unfavorable match ups against undersized post players his freshman season. Perimeter focused offenses and the guard oriented coaching styles were also contributing factors to his ineffectiveness at the collegiate level. As a sophomore, Moore was hampered by a severe herniated disc in his lower back caused during weight training[permanent dead link].
Professional career
Played in China during the 2002-03 season with Zhejiang Horses and former Providence College player, Shamgod Wells, where he averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds per game.
Signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Clippers in July 2003 and was released in October 2004. Due to NBA active roster rules and constant injuries, Moore spent the entire 2003-04 NBA season on the injured reserve list.
Moore returned to China in 2005, 2006.
Moore signed a controversial contract to play for BEEM Mazandaran in Iran in October 2007.[4] The report was documented by embedded NBA correspondent Elie Seckbach.[5]
In 2007, Moore started eastern-hemisphere, a sports and news blog to track his controversial decision to play basketball in Iran. The story was covered by major news outlets all over the world.
Education
Graduated high school from St. Thomas More (Oakdale, CT) in 1999.
Moore is currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program.[citation needed]
