Moore Gets Another Chance At March And A Homecoming
March 20, 2024 | Men's Basketball
State guard has been key in getting Bulldogs to the big dance.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – For Shakeel Moore, disappointment has been part of the fuel that has himself and his Mississippi State teammates back in the NCAA Tournament for a second-straight season.
Moore was oh so close to his one shining moment during last season's First Four matchup against Pittsburgh, but as his potential game-winning 3-pointer grazed off the rim in the final seconds, the Bulldogs' season had ended in Dayton, Ohio, just inches from advancing to the Round of 64.
Now, Moore has another crack at March Madness during Thursday's Round of 64 game against Michigan State, and he's ready to show what he's got.
"I'm definitely super hungry," Moore said. "[The end of last season] took a toll on me. I slept on it every night. Just know I'm coming to make a big statement this tournament."
As the Bulldogs have battled throughout the season to get back to where they want to be, Moore has played a huge part. He's shooting a career-best 47.5 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from deep, which is the highest three-point percentage on the team.
More importantly, Moore understands his role, which has been pivotal in the Bulldogs' success. He's started 22 games this season and has also proved to be a catalyst off the bench as he was during Mississippi State's run to the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals with nine points against LSU and two steals in the Bulldogs' defensive domination of Tennessee.
When State heard its name called on Selection Sunday for the second year in a row, it was a moment that allowed Moore and the Bulldogs to reflect on all the hard work they've put in.
"Back-to-back: there's no better feeling," Moore said. "I'm just proud of my team and our coaching staff."
When Mississippi State finally takes the floor in the big dance once again after its year-long wait, it'll be a homecoming for Moore who grew up less than 100 miles up the road from Charlotte in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Moore couldn't have been happier seeing Mississippi State's name flash on the screen below the Charlotte site, and his head coach immediately approached him to get his reaction of getting to play in his home state.
"That's one of the first things that I said once we were selected and then knew we were coming to Charlotte is that, 'Hey, man, you're going home," head coach Chris Jans said. "Certainly, his smile lit up with a big, beautiful smile. I'm happy for him. I'm happy he gets another opportunity to play in March Madness and that he gets to do it in front of a bunch of his family and friends."
The opportunity to play in front of his family has Moore ecstatic. He hasn't had as many opportunities to do so after transferring to Mississippi State from NC State after his freshman season three years ago, so it only seems fitting that he'll get to be on college hoops' biggest stage back where it all began.
"I'm really excited," Moore said. "I have a bunch of family that's coming, especially on my dad's side. [It's] an opportunity for me and for them to see me. They don't get to see me that much. So, I'm excited."
