May 8, 2013

Josiah Moore to play in Far East with Reach USA team

Although he has yet to play a minute on the court as a member of the Golden Eagles, sophomore guard Josiah Moore will represent the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team this summer on an eight-game tour of the Far East as a member of the Reach USA team.

By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Although he has yet to play a minute on the court as a member of the Golden Eagles, redshirt sophomore guard Josiah Moore will represent the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team this summer, joining eight players from around Division I basketball on an eight-game tour of the Far East as a member of the Reach USA team.

Moore, who sat out the 2012-13 season after transferring from Nebraska and begin his Golden Eagle career next season, will take the trip with Reach USA which is part of Sports Reach, a Christian sports ministry working make an impact in the world.

"I really wanted to get a chance to play and kind of catch up a bit after having to sit out last year," said Moore. "The coaching staff here was helpful in the decision and encouraged me to take part in the trip. I think it'll be a good chance to clear my mind a little bit and concentrate on basketball an also be good for me spiritually."

The trip is a cultural exchange that supports the development of basketball on an international level. Beyond the thrill of competition, Reach USA team members seek to serve their opponents by offering training that will help them improve their basketball skills and develop a more western playing style.

In addition to basketball training, players for Reach USA will be involved in a leadership development program designed to promote integrity and character both on and off the court.

"I'm really looking forward to the experience as a whole," added Moore. "I've never left the country before, so being able to play over in the Far East will be one heck of an experience. It'll also be my first opportunity to play with and against some guys from the Ohio Valley Conference and I think that will be helpful heading into next season."

The trip will begin May 11 and run for two weeks until May 26. The Reach USA squad will play eight games during its time in the Far East and will be made up of eight DI players from across the country.

"We've had a longstanding relationship with Sports Reach and Robby Speer," said Tennessee Tech head coach Steve Payne. "I think it's a great opportunity for Josiah; a once-in-a-lifetime experience not only culturally, but also both socially and athletically as well. With the quality of players that are going on the trip, he'll be surrounded by a talented group and the competition level will be exceptionally high which will be good for Jo after having to sit for a year."

The Reach USA team will be comprised of Tech's Josiah Moore, Travis Smith (Mercer), Elfrid Payton (Louisiana at Lafayette), Stacy Wilson (Murray State), T.J. Price (Western Kentucky), D.J. Johnson (Kansas State), J.P. Kambola (Marshall), Jordan Myers (Campbellsville), and George Fant (Western Kentucky). The team will be coached by the Ohio Valley Conference's Tom Schuberth, an assistant coach from Jacksonville State.