JMU’s Devon Moore Battles off the Court Makes His Battles on the Court Easy

The James Madison Dukes made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1994. The Dukes will be playing in a play in contest against LIU Brooklyn. If the Dukes win they will face the No.1 seed Indiana Hoosiers in Dayton, Ohio. The Dukes have been playing great basketball as of late, and one of the biggest reasons is the impact of All-CAA point guard Devon Moore.

Moore has been the catalyst for the Dukes all season, but has taken his game to a new level since the middle of the season. Moore along with A.J. Davis provides a dangerous one-two punch in the back court that possess years of experience as well.

While at JMU Moore has dealt with many highs and lows since coming there from Columbus, Ohio(Northland High School). After a promising freshman season Moore tore his ACL before being able to play against Ohio State in a homecoming match up. Between personal issues and injuries Moore has continued to fight during his collegiate career, and has piled up many accomplishments while wearing a JMU uniform.

Moore’s latest battle has been dealing with his mother Carolyn Moore’s diagnosis with brain cancer. This season Moore has traveled back and forth from Harrisonburg, VA to Columbus between games and practices to be by his mother’s side while fighting cancer. Being a student-athlete is already a taxing job so I couldn’t imagine being in Moore’s shoes at this moment. Moore’s tough battles off the court have only made basketball an outlet and stress reliever for him.

The game against LIU Brooklyn will be the biggest game of Moore’s career. With a victory the Dukes can advance, and it can also be a birthday present to Mrs. Carolyn Moore whose birthday is March 20^th. Moore and the Dukes will give their all to make it to the next game. Sometimes as basketball fans we get caught up in the moment about how serious sports can Be. With Moore’s situation it shows that basketball is just a game, but it can also be therapeutic as well. Whether if the Dukes are victorious or not Mrs. Moore will still be proud of the effort given by her youngest child Devon Moore and the James Madison Dukes. Go JMU beat LIU!