Colgate’s Moore to return for fifth year

HAMILTON – A season-ending injury last season won’t stop Colgate’s Pat Moore from returning for one final go on the court.

Moore, a massive threat from 3-point distance, underwent back surgery in February but has been on the right track to once again wear that Maroon and White jersey come November.

“I was very determined to come back for one final season,” Moore said. “I didn’t want to feel as though I ended my career on a bad note. I’m trying to make this last year a memorable one.”

The Whitesboro, N.Y., native started nine of the first 10 games during the 2013-14 season before giving in to his injury. He registered 8.2 points per game, while shooting 45 percent from long. He recorded a season-high 17 points, twice, against Wake Forest and Tulane. He drained a season-best five from behind the arc during both of those games as well.

“Obviously the injury to Pat was significant last season,” Colgate head coach Matt Langel said. “Not having him in the lineup for what ended up being the last two-thirds of the season was part of the reason we weren’t able to win some of those close games.

“His health, hopefully, will get back to where it was and he can get back to being the consistent offensive contributor he was.”

Moore said it was really tough for him last year to sit back and watch his teammates play, knowing he couldn’t help them.

“I tried to do whatever I could to contribute to the team,” Moore said. “I focused on staying positive but sometimes it was frustrating. It was one of the toughest situations I’ve ever had to deal with because it was the first time in my life I had to go through a serious injury.”

Moore is currently 165 points shy of hitting the 1,000-point plateau. He also sits ninth all-time in Colgate’s records book with 162 career 3-pointers, needing just 24 more to break into the top five.

Rehab is going well and with help from the athletic trainers and coaching staff, Moore hopes to be back by the start of preseason.

“I feel like I fit in with this year’s team,” Moore said. “I bring my shooting ability but more importantly my leadership and experience, having already played four years of college basketball. I want to teach the younger guys and set a good example for everyone.”

Colgate lost three players to graduation this spring but returns four of five starters for the upcoming season. Throw Moore into that mix and the Raiders are again looking to bring the Patriot League title back to Hamilton.

“I really just want to end my career on a good note,” Moore added. “I love this game and, although it’s coming to an end, I just want to do everything I can to help the team this year.

“Hopefully, we can take home a Patriot League title as well. That’s always the main goal for us.”