Chance Moore's impact in debut game for WVU basketball cannot be ignored

The highly anticipated debut of West Virginia’s Chance Moore was well worth the hype. The only asterisk on Moore's brilliant performance is that it is overshadowed by the heartbreaking loss the Mountaineers suffered at the hands of the Clemson Tigers, with a final score of 70-67. 

Despite it being his first game of the season, Chance Moore may have had the best performance of any Mountaineer in the team’s first game as part of the Charleston Classic. Moore put up 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting. He also grabbed 5 rebounds, blocked 2 shots, and collected 2 steals in 24 minutes off the bench. As good as those numbers seem, his impact on the floor went well beyond the box score. His impact was felt on both ends of the floor, and he provides a number of things that the Mountaineers collectively lack without Moore. 

Meeting Needs of the Team 

Chance Moore is an extremely versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He has active hands and to disrupts passes and ball-handlers, while having the length and timing to block/alter shots. 

Offensively, the St. Bonaventure transfers attack the basket better than anyone else on the team. He shows no fear of getting downhill and challenging opposing shot blockers.

Highlight Plays

Moore had his fingerprints all over the 70-67 loss for West Virginia, but he made a number of plays that were highlight-reel worthy. First, his knack for attacking the basket was on full display when Moore drove baseline in the first half for a ferocious dunk.

Then, to end the first half, Moore stole the Clemson inbound pass and proceeded to drain a half-court shot at the buzzer to extend the Mountaineers' lead to seven points entering the half time break.

Moving Forward

While the 6-foot-6 senior guard may not have this kind of performance in every game, Ross Hodge and this team are relying on his consistency and ability to impact winning. Ross Hodge was adamant about the fact that he pursued players out of the transfer portal who come from winning teams, and Moore is another player that fits that mold.

Whether he is inserted into the starting lineup in place of a struggling Treysen Eaglestaff or he continues to come off the bench, Moore’s positive impact on this team will continue to be felt as the Mountaineers progress through the non-conference schedule and into Big 12 play. Despite the loss, there are plenty of positive takeaways for West Virginia after falling to a talented Clemson team, and Chance Moore’s performance is atop that list.