During our recent conversation, DePaul’s Charlie Moore said the word “win” nine times and “fun” six times.
That wouldn’t surprise anyone who knows Moore, an electric 5-foot-11 point guard.
For most of his life on the basketball court, Moore has been winning and having fun doing it.
“Having fun is the most important thing,” Moore said. “I love to get on the floor and compete. Do your job out there and win.”
As a senior, Moore plans to lead DePaul on a ride down victory lane quite often this season, even in its abbreviated form due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The affable Moore doesn’t just talk a good game. He backs it up.
It has been that way since his high school days at Morgan Park, where he won Class 3A state championships as a freshman and a sophomore and earned Daily Southtown Boys Basketball Player of the Year honors. He averaged 28 points, seven assists, five steals and four rebounds as a senior.
Consider this.
Moore was the only player in the Big East last season to rank in the top 10 in scoring, assists and steals. That’s a remarkable achievement in a conference regarded among the best in the country.
“It’s a great honor,” Moore said. “It shows that all of my hard work is paying off.”
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Moore averaged 15.5 points, 6.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 32 games last season for the Blue Demons (16-16).
He hopes to improve on those numbers during the 2020-21 season, which the Blue Demons were scheduled to begin against Seton Hall before the game was postponed.
The number he wants to increase more than any other? Wins. Or depending on the number of games played, DePaul’s winning percentage.
Another .500 season won’t cut it.
In Moore’s eyes, this has to be a statement season for the program, one that ignites an ascension toward the top of the standings.
Not just for one season but for years.
Growing up in Chicago, he’s aware of DePaul’s history and the success achieved under legendary coach Ray Meyer.
Moore wants Blue Demon fans to look back on this season as the turning point.
“That’s very important to me,” he said. “They had a winning program every year. It’s up to us to bring back that legacy. We’re going to give 110% effort and determination and have fun.”
Last season was Moore’s first at DePaul. He spent 2016-17 at California and 2018-19 at Kansas. He had to sit out 2017-18 under NCAA transfer rules.
He left Kansas to be closer to his ailing father, who is healthy again. Moore has no regrets about his journey.
In fact, he believes the travels have benefited his game.
“I feel like each stop has taught me something different,” Moore said. “Three different environments and three different coaches, I was able to learn the game. It’s made me a better player.”
Moore is confident he will make a greater impact this season. He has worked on his game, both physically and mentally.
“I’m going to be more efficient,” he said. “I’m going to take care of the ball more and be more of a leader. I’m going to make my team better and help us get the win.”
In most programs, the point guard’s main responsibility is to facilitate. For Moore, he’s expected to score. It’s a lot to ask from a point guard, especially one who’s a tad undersized by today’s standards.
Moore has never met a challenge he didn’t embrace.
“My teammates set me up and my coaches put me in a position to score,” he said. “It’s pretty tough being a point guard who is expected to score, but I’ll do whatever takes for us to come out with the win.”
Spoken like a true winner.