An Introduction to Rhody MBB Assistant Coach Tom Moore
Tom Moore is a veteran in the coaching basketball scene that is now a part of the Rhode Island MBB coaching staff, alongside Dan Hurley, David Cox, and Tyron Boswell. First off, Moore began as an assistant at Worcester State University (1987-1988) and then at Assumption College (1988-1989). Later in 1989, Moore took the lead at Worcester State University, a Division III basketball program. From that point, the man has continued to work his way up. After going 76-59 throughout his five seasons (1989-1994) at the university, he moved on to being at an assistant at the University of Connecticut. Under the direction of legendary college basketball coach, Jim Calhoun, the Huskies had a plethora of success. While Moore was in Storrs, CT from 1994-2007, UCONN won two national championships. Due to the abundance of accomplishments that Tom Moore had in Connecticut, he garnered the reputation of a top-flight recruiter. Above all else, URI basketball fans should be keen to what Tom Moore can contribute in recruiting, especially due to his past experience at the University of Connecticut.
In his most recent coaching experience, Moore was at the helm of Quinnipiac University's men's college basketball team. While with the Bobcats, Tom Moore's teams accrued one NIT appearance, as well as two CIT appearances and one CBI appearance. Following two losing seasons in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, Moore was released from his contract (with two years remaining). Even though TV appearances appeared to be a fitting role for the Boston University graduate, he still wished to have a hand in coaching college basketball.
Following the departure of Antonio Reynolds-Dean, a URI alum and assistant coach in 2016-2017, Tom Moore filled the role. To the surprise of many, Moore was the first to reach out to the University of Rhode Island, particularly to sing the praises of Dan Hurley. Aside from showing interest to joining Hurley's staff, he also liked the possibility of joining the coaching staff at Rutgers.
From Desmond Conner, a writer at the Hartford Courant, Moore showed his admiration for the head coach of URI men's basketball. According to Moore, "Danny was the first person I thought of... I think I've known him for about 15 years now. I just think he's a star. I think he's one of the best young coaches in the country..." It is always beneficial when an assistant coach not only respects the head coach that they are working under but also respects that individual. In this case, Hurley and Moore sound like a match that is built for success.
Let's hope that Tom Moore helps to get the Rhode Island Rams back into the NCAA tournament this season, in addition to winning multiple titles for years to come.
