NUHoops.com

We recently conducted an interview with Northwestern recruit Craig Moore. Moore, a senior at Lawrenceville High School in New Jersey, is currently NU's only recuit for next season. That could change now that T.J. Parker has declared his intention to leave Northwestern and turn professional.

Here are our questions to Craig and his answers:

Q.  What attracted you to Northwestern?

A.  After speaking with (assistant) Coach (Paul) Lee in July, then visiting the campus in August and meeting with Coach (Bill) Carmody and (assistant coach Craig) Robinson, I felt that it was a perfect fit for me. The program, coaches, and school as a whole would give me a lot of opportunity. I felt that the coaches were honest about how they saw me fitting into the program and they were sincere. Like Lawrenceville, Northwestern's academic reputation was also very important to me.

Q.  What other schools did you consider?

A.  Last July, I was getting a lot of interest from a variety of schools. I hadn't really narrowed it down at the point Northwestern entered the picture. Some of the schools I had visited were Georgetown, Stanford, Davidson, Penn, Princeton, Columbia, Virginia Tech as well as interest from Rice, Bucknell, Vermont among others. 

Q.  Do you have an area of study that you have in mind?

A.  Currently, I am enrolled in the Communications School. To be honest, this might change after I arrive at Northwestern. I am really open at this point.

Q.  What was the competition level in your league?

A. The New Jersey Prep A League as well as the Mid-Atlantic Prep League in which Lawrenceville participates are two of the most competitive high school basketball leagues in the country. Since my freshman year playing varsity basketball, there have been so many Division I -- and even a couple NBA players -- that I have played with and against in the last four years. Last year in the Prep A Championship against St. Benedict's there were nine future Division I players and one NBA player in the starting lineups. I'm not sure that you would find that in any other High School game in the country. You won't find many players averaging 20 points a game in these leagues because each team is filled with great players. The talent level is very much like what you would have found this summer on my AAU team ( NJ All Stars) where of the five starters, three are headed to the Big East, one to the ACC or Pac-10, and then one (me) to the Big Ten.

Q.  How did your season go? 

A. This is a tough one for me to answer. Personally, I felt that I played my best basketball of my four years at Lawrenceville. I, generally, was the target of the other team's defense, so it made me work harder on all aspects of my game -- shooting, passing, rebounding and defense. I was named to the All-Tournament Teams at the Peddie Tournament, Boys' Club of New York, and Hillside Tournaments. I was also named to the First Team for Mercer County and Second Team New Jersey All State Prep. Yet, as a team, I think it was a bit disappointing. Lawrenceville had to replace 12 players, due to graduation, from the previous year's Championship Team. That is difficult to do and maintain the same level of talent and competitiveness. We were very undersized. It was definitely a rebuilding year for Lawrenceville. 

Q.  Are you more suited as a point guard or a shooting guard?

A. I think you would get different answers on this question depending on who you ask. I am most comfortable playing the point where I can control the offense and tempo of the game. I can run the offense, get the ball to open teammates, and pick my shots. I think some people see me as a shooting guard because I am known as a three-point shooter and at 6-4 can defend bigger guards. To be perfectly honest, I play either point or shooting guard depending on what my team needs at the time. 

Q.  How do you see yourself fitting into Coach Carmody's Princeton offense?

A.  I am a player that likes to pass, hit the open man, get the ball into the post, etc.

I think Coach Carmody's offense stresses these things, but also gives you an opportunity to run.  Lawrenceville is known as a running team. I am really used to being able to do both. I think West Virginia and N.C. State showed you could do both with great success. I am really looking forward to doing this at Northwestern.

Q. What has Coach Carmody told you about your role might be next year as far as position and playing time?

A. Coach Carmody never promised me a position or playing time, but indicated that he would be looking for me to back up T.J. (Parker) at the point. I respect him for that, because different situations/opportunities arise all the time. Obviously, I will have to work hard to prove myself. I will accept any role they see for me. (Note: This interview was conducted before T.J. Parker declared his intention to leave Northwestern and go professional.)

Q.  Would you consider red-shirting?

A.  This isn't something I ever think about. I am definitely coming to Northwestern to play and contribute in any way I can. I have never been a player content to watch, I want to be playing.

Q. Northwestern lacked a consistent three-point threat this past season. You have a reputation as an excellent shooter. Do you see that as an area you can contribute?

A. Yes. I think three-point shooting is critical to Northwestern's offense. The more three-point shooting threats you have the better. Looking at the teams that were successful in the NCAA tournament, almost all of them have multiple three-point shooters. Take West Virginia, all of their players can shoot the three. This opens up all kinds of other offensive opportunities. This year, I really never saw a wide-open three, but was able to knock down 59 threes. The defensive pressure I saw this year will help prepare me for the kind of pressure I'll see in the Big Ten.

Q.  What are you working on this summer and will you spend any of it in Evanston?

A.  Right now, I generally lift weights and shoot everyday at Lawrenceville. I work with the strength and conditioning coach two days a week. I will be working out with local college teams as well. I plan to be in Evanston in June for the summer program. I am really looking forward to working out with the players, coaches and getting into the gym at Northwestern. 

Q. What are your goals for your freshman year?

A. My goals have not really changed throughout high school and now entering Northwestern. As a freshman at Lawrenceville, everyone told me that freshman never make the varsity team. I took that as a challenge and made the team and worked myself into the seven-man rotation. The next year people said I couldn't start at the point for Lawrenceville as a sophomore. I took that as a challenge and started at the point and played more minutes than any other player. I generally have been underrated my whole career. I use this as motivation. I also look to improve all aspects of my game. As an 80 percent free-throw shooter, I would like to improve this to 90 percent. As a 40 percent three-point shooter, I would like to improve this to 45 percent. Throughout my career, my goals have always been for my team to win. Do whatever is necessary to win. As a competitive person, I always want to be out on the court. So, I guess my goal is to prove to Coach Carmody that I have the skills to start for Northwestern.

Q.  Have you met any of your future teammates?

A. Yes, when I came out for my official visit in October. I came out and got to see the Northwestern-Ohio State (football) game. It was a great to be there for that win. Davor (Duvancic) toured me around and I met and scrimmaged with the entire team. It was a blast.

Q.  Can you lead Northwestern to its first NCAA Tournament berth.

A. I would never say that I could do it alone. If you look at all the top teams, it is the group of players as a team that makes them special. It is not one individual player. But I would like to think that I could help contribute to Northwestern's first NCAA Tournament appearance. This is what every college player is working toward. I think Northwestern has all the elements to be able to get to the Tournament next year.

I look forward to seeing you all in June.

Thanks, Craig, for the interview from the fans at Northwestern.