Here’s a bold prediction: the player who could be the secret weapon for WVU Men’s Basketball this season isn’t the one everyone’s talking about. But here’s where it gets interesting—while names like Treysen Eaglestaff and Honor Huff dominate the headlines, it’s senior guard Chance Moore who might just be the X-factor for the Mountaineers. And this is the part most people miss: Moore’s versatility and proven track record could make him the unsung hero in Head Coach Ross Hodge’s new-look squad.
With less than three weeks until the season tips off against Mount Saint Mary’s at the Hope Coliseum, Coach Hodge and his staff have quietly assembled a roster that’s brimming with potential. Through strategic recruiting and savvy transfer portal pickups, they’ve built a team loaded with players who know what it takes to win—many of them coming from successful collegiate programs. But here’s the controversial part: while the spotlight shines on the highly touted freshmen and transfers, Chance Moore’s impact could be the difference between a good season and a great one.
Standing at 6’6”, Moore is a do-it-all guard with a résumé that speaks for itself. After limited playing time at Arkansas, he found his stride at Missouri State, where he became a double-figure scorer. Last season, as a starter for St. Bonaventure, he averaged 13 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, proving himself as a reliable scorer, rebounder, and defender. Here’s the kicker: Moore has already played—and thrived—at the Hope Coliseum, dropping 24 points and 8 rebounds in a 2023 matchup with WVU while at Missouri State. Could this be a sign of things to come?
Coach Hodge isn’t holding back his praise: ‘Chance has the ability, size, and physicality to impact both sides of the ball and influence winning at a high level,’ he said. ‘He’s a high-character individual who aligns perfectly with WVU’s values.’ But Moore’s game isn’t without its question marks. While he’s a consistent scorer inside the arc, his 3-point shooting (30.3%) and free-throw accuracy (62.6%) leave room for improvement. Here’s the thought-provoking question: Can Moore elevate his shooting to become an unstoppable force in the Big 12, or will he rely on his other strengths to carry the team?
What’s undeniable is Moore’s ability to fill up the stat sheet. Last season, he scored in double figures 21 times, including a season-high 27 points against Canisius. His rebounding prowess ranked him 10th in the Atlantic 10, and his defensive skills—including leading his team in shot blocks—make him a perfect fit for Hodge’s defensive-minded system. But here’s the counterpoint: With so much talent on the roster, will Moore get the opportunities he needs to shine, or will he be overshadowed by the flashier names?
As Mountaineer fans gear up for the season, they should keep a close eye on Moore. His ability to do a little bit of everything—score, rebound, defend—could be exactly what WVU needs to make noise in the Big 12. If the team succeeds under Hodge’s leadership, don’t be surprised if Chance Moore is at the heart of it. So, here’s the final question: Is Chance Moore the overlooked hero WVU needs, or will he remain just another piece of the puzzle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
