Moon's been around the way and wants to stay
Thursday, March 13, 2008 | 07:56 PM ET
Before I get into this, I just want to say that I had the privilege of sitting down with Jamario Moon earlier this season. It was after coach Sam Mitchell inserted the high-flyer into the starting lineup, much to the surprise - and criticism - of the media.
So our discussion had nothing to do with his all-star appearance, or his slam dunk contest escapades, it was really about finally making it to the league and what kind of impact it has had on his life.
For those that don’t know, Jamario Moon was one of those ballers that fell through the cracks.
Around the way kid
He came straight out of Meridian Community College. The native of Rockford, Ala., spent time in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) were he averaged 18.8 points and eight boards per game for the Albany Patroons. He was named CBA Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-star in 06-07.
Prior to that, he spent time with the United States Basketball League (USBL), National Basketball Development League (NBDL), American Basketball Association (ABA) and World Basketball Association (WBA).
This kid has been around.
Mitchell made a good point when he explained why each team should do their own scouting and not rely on the opinions of others to deter them. That of course was the case with Moon.
After workouts with a number of different NBA teams the word on the street was not favourable for Jamario, at least that’s what the report was from those clubs.
Working for a chance
Toronto decided to conduct their own workout and evaluation, and low and behold they signed him to a two-year deal.
Not to be critical of any NBA scout, they must have some ability to assess talent or they wouldn’t be employed, but I’m not sure what they saw. I can’t figure how a 6’8”, 205-pound small forward with the wing span of a condor and hops of the Air Apparent could fly under anyone’s radar. He’s money from 10-12 feet, and has extended that to three-point range. He’s low key, very coachable, and popular amongst his teammates.
Someone somewhere missed the boat. Their loss is the Raptors gain.
Call him Apollo33, the Moon over the Horizon, J-Moon, whatever’s clever, but it’s nice to see a young player come into the league and make the necessary adjustments to excel.
According to Moon, there wasn’t one aspect of his game that needed improving when making the jump to the bigs, he wanted to improve it all. Every players is big and strong, the speed of the game is like no other league (swing west to get a real feel), and you play in spurts, something that took sometime to learn. What I found very refreshing was the fact that he was here, and wanted to do everything in his power to stay here (the NBA).
So let’s talk about something more personal like, who does Jamario hang with? Where does he hang out? And how does he kick it? When I say kick it, by that I mean what does he do in his spare time, how does he dress, and where does he shop.
A day in the life
Let me say that it would be hard to find a more laid back individual than Moon. A cool dude in a loose mood, sure that’s a phrase two decades old, but it applies. He’s not into designer labels, name brands, and trendy threads. Actually, if no one else has it, that’s what he’d prefer. If it looks good he’ll get it. He shops every, and anywhere.
Is he a jeans/button down guy? No. What he wears to games is what he’ll sport to a club. Suit and tie period. Proper. I respect that. It’s not often a young adult would choose a suit over baggy jeans and XXXXL shirts, not to mention the crisp hat with the stiff peak slightly off centre. Michael Jordan would never address the media until he was in full entire. Respect. Did I mention Moon he used to kick a serious ‘fro? Afro that is, fisted pick in the back came with it. Well maintained too, I might add.
A typical day has the Moon rising at 8 a.m., breakfast at 9, from there he’ll roll to practice from 10 -1 p.m., that of course includes a workout. Then it’s back to the crib for some X-Box, TV, answer emails, blog, and generally just chill until game time. Sounds like a pretty sweet gig for a rising star.
As far as clubs go, Moon doesn’t have a particular place that he frequents on a regular basis. A good jam is a good jam. Old school, new school, as long as the place is packed and there’s not much room on the dance floor, Moon says he’s in the right place. Not that he makes it a regular thing, but a good party is also food for the soul.
He doesn’t have a crew, just T.J. Ford and sometimes he might hang with the sharp-shooting Jason Kapono, just depends on the circumstance. Either way it’s safe to say this kid is definitely headed in the right direction.
Has Moon set any goals? Just one: To stay in the NBA. Sounds like a plan.
Hit me up anytime with your comments, flashbacks, or anything Old School you need to get off your chest. Peace.
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About the Author
Lance Winn's love of basketball has taken him from the courts of Oakwood Collegiate in downtown Toronto to the hardwood at York University to his current career in the broadcast booth. A senior producer with CBCSports.ca's online team, Winn previously spent five years as an anchor/reporter at The Score television network. There, he hosted live, nation-wide hourly updates and wrote, produced and voiced a weekly NBA recap show. He has also hosted CIS sports on Rogers Television for the past six years.
Winn remains active in the basketball community. An assistant coach with the University of Ottawa for the past four years, he also runs a youth league in Toronto and various chairty tournaments.
Recent Posts
- Moon's been around the way and wants to stay
- Thursday, March 13, 2008
- A conversation with "The Blade," Alex English
- Wednesday, February 13, 2008
- Positive is what this baller is about
- Thursday, November 1, 2007
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Comments
Tony A.
Winnipeg
I think Moon's arrival into the NBA is one of the best stories of the NBA. I'm not saying that other players coming into the league don't earn their way in, but for quite a few, their road to the NBA was quite a bit smoother. Some have been scouted back in high school and it was pretty much a given that they were certain to make it into the league just on their hype alone (except Lebron, he's the real deal). Jamario Moon has definetily earned his way into the NBA and the best thing about that is his journey. Because of his journey going through all the other leagues and playing for the Globetrotters, he will appreciate every minute being in the NBA. He worked hard to get there and will work even harder to stay in there. That makes him a great asset to the league and especially to the Raptors!
Posted March 14, 2008 01:38 PM
Chris
Edmonton
I got a chance to see an interview of Jamario Moon on his all star weekend. And I have to say that it's been a long time since I have seen such a humble and down to earth NBA player. His story is inspirational and an example of anything is possible. He has taken this opportunity and ran with it. He has filled a role on what others on the team will not do.....play defense and rebound. His signing is a clear indication that the Raptors have the right people running the organization.
Posted March 14, 2008 03:01 PM
mitchell
kitchener
After he (Sam Mitchell) made the original insertion of Moon into the starters all of the media and fans gave Mitchell heck. But now they have to eat there words because Moon has shown that he belongs. Im happy with the choice by Mitchell and the skill that Moon has brought to the Raps this year.
Posted March 16, 2008 09:43 PM
Jordan Dean
Windsor
As an addition to the starting line-up early in the season, i believe sammy mitchell should have been praised all along. With his high flying board grabbing ways jamario is what the raps have been looking for for awhile. along side CB4 and jose, there is so much potential in this team and im excited for a more confident consistent season next year.
Posted March 24, 2008 12:07 PM
Ken
This guy is the real deal, get back the Red Rocket and we have a marketing bonanza.
Think of it, the Red Rocket,Appollo 33 and the crew take on the Lakers.
Posted March 27, 2008 12:35 AM
Lee Ann
Brampton
I'll never understand why the media and fans for that matter jump (no pun intended) to conclusions about players UNTIL they've seen them perform. Everyone deserves a chance. Jamario Moon showed all the naysayers, didn't he. I like him, he's a young man with a helluva lot of class, mad skills, and that smile...it's contagious.
Posted March 30, 2008 09:08 PM
Manual deSouza
Toronto
J Moon is fantastic. NBA is a tough league and he is settling in well. His slam dunk thrusting power is enormous. He has the court sense. Compare to the NBA player that I hate most, Vince Carter who is a whiner, a crying babe, J Moon is absolutely priceless. Just compare the $ to $. Some stupid club pays the crying baby $14 million for a season, J Moon gets pay $450K......wow....good deal.
But I were the crying baby, I will laugh because someone is willingly to pay him that much and according to his performance this year, playing for a team that cannot get into the play-off, he better off disappears.
Posted April 3, 2008 01:57 PM
trevor
saskatchewan
I'm a huge RAPTOR fan and i can say that i love this kid (Apollo33) he is the man. theres not much i can say that others had already said about his game but i think that the RAPTOR club should keep him sign him do what ever it takes for him to stay a RAPTOR.
Posted April 21, 2008 07:47 PM
Galatis, A
Mr. J.Moon your great, we Canadians hope you stay with us, as you recieve all the great offers you deserve.
Posted May 5, 2008 11:47 PM