Interview with Howard Moore

Partial Transcript: OK, so as I said before I turned on the recorder, the first question is kind of a broad one, but what brought you to UW?

Segment Synopsis: Howard Moore (HM) grew up in Chicago and loved the Big Ten. When he came to Madison, he feel in love with the campus, the people, and his teammates. He committed during his official visit.

Keywords: Big Ten; Chicago

Partial Transcript: So, growing up in Chicago, how did you become interested in basketball?

Segment Synopsis: HM's father's interest in sports and growing up in Chicago immersed in the world of basketball. When asked about who he played against, he started with people he watched, such as players at 1970s/1980s Depaul (the Blue Demons). He also idolized Dr. J and watched other pro players, such as Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas.

Keywords: Basketball; Michael Jordan; Sports

Partial Transcript: You talked about some of the places you were recruited...

Segment Synopsis: Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa both offered him scholarships. He talked about other "mid-majors" that recruited him. Eventually, Northwestern offered him a scholarship. When asked about when he committed to UW, he said it was April 1990. That was his first visit to Madison, and he flew in from Chicago.

Keywords: Recruiting

Partial Transcript: How did you spend that first summer?

Segment Synopsis: HM stayed in Chicago; he wished he would have come up here instead. So, he came in the fall, where they gave a map and his schedule. And, he said, they wished him luck. When asked where he lived, he lived in Adams Hall on the Lakeshore. He talked about his first year roommate and teammate, Cass Weaver.

Keywords: Adams Hall; Chicago; Lakeshore

Partial Transcript: So when did practices start that first year?

Segment Synopsis: Practices started mid-October. The team conditioned until practice officially started. HM participated in the opening night dunk contest. He talked about his first few practices and why he decided to red shirt that first year. HM discussed that first year academically, including dealing with a death in his family, which affected him particularly second semester sophomore year. His first coach, Bill Yoder, conducted a fundamental practice. HM talked about the veterans on that team his first (red shirt) year; they made the NIT but lacked a point guard. HM talked about a battle of wills between the veterans and Coach Yoder. HM briefly talked about Coach Stu Jackson and the changes he made.

Keywords: Practice; Redshirt Freshman; Stu Jackson

Partial Transcript: So how was it playing...

Segment Synopsis: HM explains there are far more responsibilities when you are on the bench and able to play. HM continued to discuss the difficulties he faced those first couple of years. When asked about dealing with these things, HM said his girlfriend, now his wife, helped him immensely. He did note a couple of coaches who also helped. HM noted how his improved focus and mood also correlated with the hiring of Coach Stu Jackson. HM also came off of knee surgery at that time. From that point HM improved academically and that helped him athletically too.

Keywords: Coaches; Depression; Injuries; Stu Jackson

Partial Transcript: Maybe to bring it to the future, going through what you went through, I wonder how do you try to mentor young athletes?

Segment Synopsis: HM offered an anecdote about giving a recent speech at LaFollette High School and quoting Frederick Douglas. HM's past has shaped his present, and he will use that to tell current athletes about his path and how they, like him, can make an impact. He told the students, "What's your passion?"

Keywords: Frederick Douglass; LaFollette High School; Mentoring

Partial Transcript: That's something I try to have my players understand, give them a little historical perspective.

Segment Synopsis: HM talked about offering players some historical perspective, such as why current players train and play in the Kohl Center. When asked about playing games in the Field House, HM called it "awesome." The atmosphere & environment was so much different; it was much more intimate and loud. HM remembered when UW beat the "Fab 5" at the Field House. And reminded the interviewer about the "Faithful 5,000" and the Booster Club. HM did not want to diss the Kohl Center, but most of the fans there did not suffer like those who watched games at the Field Center. HM completely understood the history behind it that has turned UW Athletics from a "Mom and Pop Store," to today's Athletic Department. HM talked more about Chancellor Donna Shalala and her impact on the turnaround at Athletics.

Keywords: Donna Shalala; Fab Five; Field House; Kohl Center

Partial Transcript: Did you as a freshmen, sophomore, junior, did you notice that at the time?

Segment Synopsis: HM said yes, and he offered an anecdote to explain: selling out the Field House. And also no longer being able to walk into Camp Randall from the Field House to watch a game. He continued to discuss how the 1992-93 season for football and basketball was "so close" to succeeding. After that, everyone committed to getting better to be able to make the NCAA Tournament. HM concluded by saying that the football and basketball players, when HM was a freshman, talked about being the group that would go to Rose Bowls and NCAA Tournaments.

Keywords: NCAA Tournament; Ticket Sales; UW Athletics

Partial Transcript: Maybe one more thing...

Segment Synopsis: Went to summer school to help graduate. Made it a point to stay here every summer except during the summer before they made the NCAA Tournament. He worked at a Ford dealership, because he could play at the YMCA during lunch. Plus, he came back to UW with a new car.

Keywords: Chicago; Summer Term

Partial Transcript: So the one thing I forgot to ask...

Segment Synopsis: Howard Moore (HM) talked about playing in the annual Red-White Scrimmage. HM dunked and yelled at the student section, the "Bleacher Creatures," which he loved doing. His first time on the floor in a game was the first game his redshirt freshman year. He remembered a dunk from that game but also being so happy when his teammates succeeded.

Keywords: Field House; Red-White Scrimmage

Partial Transcript: So the follow-up to what you just said, we talked about the Field House last time...

Segment Synopsis: HM remembered the sections where the students sat. "They were right there, and they were loud." When asked about the coaching change (from Yoder to Jackson), HM said he wasn't so surprised, because he saw the change in athletics, which he thought would lead to a coaching change. He moved from sadness for Yoder leaving to curiousity about who the new coach would be. HM shared his memories on all the reasons why he found Stu Jackson's arrival "impactful." Jackson inspired HM on many levels, including HM's eventual coaching career.

Keywords: Coaching; Field House; Stu Jackson; Student Sectoin

Partial Transcript: You mentioned the fact that being able to see another African-American in a leadership role

Segment Synopsis: HM said coming in as athlete does make the transition different. HM's time here was pretty good. He never had any major issues, and he made friends well. HM did march, including after the Rodney King verdict. HM did speak his mind on social issues, earning him the nickname, "Malcolm Farrakhan" from his teammates. HM compared his time and efforts to Nigel Hayes' time at UW.

Keywords: Chicago; Nigel Hayes; Race; Rodney King

Partial Transcript: So when we finished up last time, you went back to Chicago...

Segment Synopsis: HM talked about the difference in the team in Yoder's last year and Jackson's first year. Jackson inherited a "good core." That year ended with a NIT bid and a loss against Rice at the Field House. HM talked a bit about that loss. As he said in the previous interview, that loss fed their desire to get back to the NIT.

Keywords: NIT Tournament; Stu Jackson

Partial Transcript: So that year too, you talked about some academic issues you had...

Segment Synopsis: HM talked about declaring a major in Afro-American Studies, understanding time management better, and gaining confidence as a student all led to a successful 3rd academic year. When asked about off-campus housing that year, he lived on Marion Street with Cam Woodard. It worked out well, because it gave him space away from his teammates and with roommates who did well academically.

Keywords: Academics; Afro-American Studies; Campus Life

Partial Transcript: Throughout your time here at UW-Madison, were there classes or professors who stood out?

Segment Synopsis: Richard Davis's Jazz Ensemble class stood out. His love of hip hop grew when learning about the jazz masters that hip hop artists sampled from. Craig Werner was a "huge" influence on HM; Moore explained why. HM took pride that he and other students requested and got to attend the first hip-hop class, which HM called "electric." HM also talked about another Werner class, "Black Music Experience."

Subjects: Craig Werner; Hip-Hop; Richard Davis

Partial Transcript: So now we're on Couch Jackson's second year...When did you know that this could be the year?

Segment Synopsis: They stated that season 11-0, then lost big to Minnesota, which ended up being a good wake up call. HM talked about bringing in Rashard Griffith and pairing him with Tracy Webster and Michael Finley really help UW turn the corner. HM also talked about the role players who understood how to play off "the big 3." HM offered an overview of what Stu Jackson brought to UW, specifically how the style of play differed greatly between Yoder and Jackson. When asked, HM talked about how this year started to see more attendance at the Field House. HM returned to Rashard Griffith, specifically about RG's acumen in waiting to come to UW.

Keywords: Baksetball; Michael Finley; Rashard Griffith

Partial Transcript: How did the team do in the Big Ten?

Segment Synopsis: HM reminded the interviewer that the Big 10 did not hold a conference tournament yet and that the Big 10 strength of schedule helped UW get into the NCAA tournament even though the conference record was under .500. When asked, HM offered his memories of finding out they made the NCAA tournament. The team went to Coach Jackson's house to see and hear if they made it. Coach Jackson found out a few minutes before HM and his teammates did. HM called it "euphoric," when they find out they made it. People were excited and campus energy was high.

Keywords: Big Ten Conference; NCAA Tournament; Selection Sunday

Partial Transcript: So I bet this place in general, and campus, was a little happy...

Segment Synopsis: Based on the football's team Rose Bowl win and the basketball's team first-round NCAA win that this was the culture change. HM showed him some of the memorabilia he collected and has displayed in his office from that "special time in Wisconsin Basketball history."

Keywords: Rose Bowl; State Street

Partial Transcript: Did you get on the court either of those games?

Segment Synopsis: HM did not play, but he talked about being there (Odgen, Utah), including seeing UW-Green Bay upset California (with Jason Kidd).

Keywords: NCAA Tournament; UW-Green Bay

Partial Transcript: When did Coach Jackson Leave?

Segment Synopsis: Coach Jaskson left the summer 1994. HM was working Stu Jackson's basketball camp. So, one day Stu grabbed HM and told HM that the Vancouver Grizzlies offered his the head coach & general manager's job. HM offered Jackson his full support. HM, Michael Finley, and others told AD Pat Richter that they would like him to hire Stan Van Gundy as the head coach, which eventually happened.

Keywords: Coaching; NBA; Stu Jackson

Partial Transcript: So when we last left off, it was really your fifth year here...

Segment Synopsis: Howard Moore (HM) stayed in Madison his last year, taking classes, working camps, and getting prepared for the basketball season. When asked if he talked to Coach Van Gundy about his role, he said no, but he said that he wanted to play. He made it tough on the coaches to overlook him.

Keywords: Basketball Camp; Stan Van Gundy

Partial Transcript: Do you remember that first start?

Segment Synopsis: HM started at home against Northwestern. He gave his stats and felt his start and energy ignited the team. When asked about Tracy Webster's graduation and its effect, HM agreed with his fellow narrator, Rashard Griffith, by saying that Tracy's graduation took the team's "heart and soul." HM felt that Finley could have left for the NBA earlier, but he stayed and benefitted from that. When asked about senior night, HM reminded him that they played Indiana and lost, and HM never beat Indiana during his five years at UW.

Keywords: Home games; Michael Finley; Northwestern University

Partial Transcript: So I want to ask a few more questions to get us up to today. So what as you finished your college career, what did you think your next steps were?

Segment Synopsis: HM wanted to keep playing, so he traveled to Czech Republic on a tour team. He did not latch on with a European team, so he came back to Madison and worked a couple of jobs. He then moved back to Chicago and took a sales job. He enjoyed the sales job; aspects of it has helped him as a recruiter. He spoke of the difference of living in Chicago as a kid and as a young adult. Even though he enjoyed the work, he missed basketball. He played in as many pro-am games as possible. Then, he started volunteering as a coach, and it led to him being on the bench during games. His coach, who he was helping, told him he should go into coach. So, at 27 (1997), HM volunteered at the University of Chicago. When asked about his coaching "gigs" before getting his first assistant job here in 2005, he listed them.

Keywords: Coaching; Czech Republic; Recruiting; Ticket Office

Partial Transcript: And then, the online profile that Athletics has for you, you had a few different coaching gigs...

Segment Synopsis: HM recounted his various coaching gigs before coming back to UW. HM talked specifically about his coaching gig at Bradley, teaching him what to do and what not to do. He left Bradley and replaced Tracy Webster at Ball State.HM talked more about pre-UW coaching, specifically his time at Loyola-Chicago. It was not easy, but it was fun. When asked by the coach about what job would take him from Loyola-Chicago, he said the only job would be at UW. He then listed the events that led Coach Bo Ryan to hire him at UW.

Keywords: Bo Ryan; Coaching; Loyola-Chicago

Partial Transcript: Did you know Bo before?

Segment Synopsis: HM and Coach Ryan knew of each other, and they did meet every now and then. HM also sent notes and letters to Ryan every now and then. His strongest memory was the all-day "interview" with Coach Ryan, particularly at the end when Ryan asked him, "Are you ready to come back home?" HM called it a special day; he did not remember the drive back to Chicago.

Keywords: Bo Ryan; Recruiting

Partial Transcript: So then, what was your role, or key aspects of your job?

Segment Synopsis: HM's main job was recruiting. HM said he learned a lot; he "worked his tail off." HM recruited some of the players that led the program to their Final Fours. When asked about his first recruit, he mentioned a player from San Antonio, who did not pan out. His next player was Ryan Evans, who did pan out. HM mentioned others: Ben Brust, Duke Dujan, Frank Kaminsky, and mentioned his regions, meaning he did not recruit all incoming players.The year after Alando Tucker graduated. There was no stars, but they played great defense. They won the Big 10 and lost to Davidson (with Stephen Curry) in the Sweet 16.

Keywords: Alando Tucker; Recruiting; Ryan Evans

Partial Transcript: So I want to ask you about Frank, but I want to hear the story about how you ended up getting the job at UIC...

Segment Synopsis: HM discussed the situation that arose led to HM getting that job; he got the job late, so he felt behind that whole first year. He talked about his hires and the reason he hired them. The only highlight in year one was beating Illinois at the United Center.

Keywords: United Center; University of Illinois-Chicago

Partial Transcript: By my third year, I had a team that I really liked...

Segment Synopsis: By his third year at UIC, HM liked his team, including four seniors. HM talked about in detail about that team; it let him coach the way he wanted to. It led to an extension and raise, but the next year's team was young and fell to a lot of bad luck, which led to a long losing streak. HM talked about his fifth and final year at UIC. While they finished the season strong, he lost his job. They bought out the rest of his contract. When asked about how much of the Badgers games he could watch, he tried to watch as much as possible, particularly because HM ran the same offense as Ryan.

Keywords: Butler; Swing Offense; University of Illinois-Chicago

Partial Transcript: How much pride did you feel in those Final Four teams?

Segment Synopsis: HM did take pleasure in watching Wisconsin's success, because he knew he brought good kids to the program. He did appreciated how Frank Kaminsky spoke highly of HM.

Keywords: Final Four; Frank Kaminsky

Partial Transcript: I was wondering if you could the story of what brought you back to UW...

Segment Synopsis: HM did not feel sorry for himself; he went to watch the Badgers play in the Big Ten Tournament. He took his son and put on his Badger gear. And the fan gave him so much love; it felt great. The biggest thing that came from that weekend arose when he asked the Big Ten Network broadcasters about who he should talk to about getting a job at BTN. That led to him doing a "test run" with BTN at the Final Four. He found it to be great fun. Later that year HM received a call from BTN to come audition to work for them during basketball season. He "knocked it out of the park." So, he started working for BTN, then in December after Coach Ryan's last game, HM was in the studio when Ryan retired after that December game. He called it "bizarre." HM gave a heartfelt speech on air about Coach Ryan. After that night another BTN on-air guy told him that new Coach Greg Gard would call him and ask him to come back to UW. Gard called him the next day and offered him a job. HM talked about the transition that season both as a broadcaster and then an assistant coach.

Keywords: Big Ten Network; Bo Ryan

Partial Transcript: So obviously they expedited all that HR stuff...

Segment Synopsis: HM discussed what the coaching staff implemented (or re-implemented) to get that team on track. It led to a Sweet 16 berth and to Coach Gard becoming the permanent head coach, which led to HM becoming a permanent assistant coach. When asked about trying to get a master's degree now while coaching, he listed his reasons, including that this degree will open more and different doors.

Keywords: Graduate School; Greg Guard; Sweet Sixteen

Partial Transcript: So the last question is kind of a big picture question..

Segment Synopsis: HM offered several reasons why Madison has felt like home to him. HM "cannot put a price tag" on what Madison and UW meant to him. He listed some of people who believed in him, including Coach Ryan and Coach Gard. He finished by noting how appropriate it has felt for him to be here at this time and to be able to give back to today's student athletes what others gave to him.

Keywords: Adversity; Student Athletes