Tuesday’s Arizin: Justin Moore targeting late-December return (Sept. 20)

Sep 20, 2022 - 9:30 AM

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It’s tradition to put the Villanova mug as the leading photo for your daily Arizin, but for our less-Twitter and social media savvy friends who may have missed it, we have to open with a big update from John Fanta on Tuesday afternoon.

The Fox Sports Big East basketball correspondent sat down with Moore for an interview. Moore, who was suited and booted, shared with Fanta that he’s looking to make a return in December. While he had given some positive signs of recovery and rehab in a summer update, this is especially promising news and well ahead of a couple early recovery projections that expected a possible January return.

It was also nice to hear that a couple of NBA standouts had reached out to him and that former teammate Collin Gillespie, who is also nursing an injury setback of his own, also has been offering some words of encouragement.

Moore averaged 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season, while shooting 39.7% overall and 35.6% from deep. He showcased overall growth in his game as a junior and stepped up as a big defensive asset in addition to his scoring ability. Moore played an instrumental role in helping the ‘Cats return to the Final Four.

He tore his Achilles in the final minute of the Elite Eight victory over Houston, as he helped the ‘Cats try to close things out over the Cougars in a defensive battle.

Approximately, nine weeks after that, he was out of the walking boot and well into his rehab procedures.

Late December can’t come soon enough, and hopefully Moore’s road to recovery remains smooth and as planned.

Until then, it will certainly be interesting to see how the ‘Cats manage without him for the first part of the season, then how they look as a team once he’s back in the lineup.

In the meantime, here are your daily links:

2022-23 Big East Men’s Basketball Team Preview: Villanova Wildcats | Anonymous Eagle
Are the Wildcats the biggest wildcard in the conference now that Jay Wright has retired?

College Basketball 2022-23 Countdown: No. 14 Villanova | FOX Sports
Villanova will face the new season without Jay Wright, but that talent is there for a No. 14 preseason ranking from John Fanta.

Five takeaways from the proposed lowering of the NBA Draft age and how it could impact college basketball - CBSSports.com
There will be big implications as the NBA eventually moves to change the age of draft eligibility

If NBA draft age lowers, college basketball will feel the effects - Sports Illustrated
The NBA is expected to allow 18-year-olds to enter the draft, which would change NCAA recruiting and program-building.

Former high school basketball star Emoni Bates arrested after gun found in car he was driving | ESPN
Emoni Bates was arrested after sheriff's deputies discovered a firearm in a vehicle he was driving. The former high school star transferred from Memphis to Eastern Michigan this summer.

(Subscription req'd) Why it’s a great thing for college basketball for the NBA to end one-and-done - The Athletic
The NBA is expected to lower its minimum draft age to 18 years old.

Men's Soccer: Dickey, Bendiktsson Honored by BIG EAST - Villanova University
Dickey is BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week, and Bendiktsson lands on the conference honor roll.