The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Sports

November 30, 2009

Huggins teammate remembers Mountaineer coach’s ‘fierce’ play

By Mickey Furfari

MORGANTOWN — Have you ever wondered what kind of basketball player current West Virginia coach Bob Huggins was as a Mountaineer?

“Bobby was a fierce competitor,” former teammate Lowes Moore recalled recently. “He was all about what you had to do to win.

“Whether taking a charge or hitting a big shot or doing other things with his body, he did what he had to do to win a game.

“Bobby would do anything for the sake of the team.”

Huggins, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound guard, was a senior when Moore, a 6-1, 170-pound guard, was a freshman in the mid-1970s when they played together.

The two have been close ever since that season.

A three-year starter after transferring from Ohio University, Huggins appeared in 81 games, scored 791 points, pulled down 269 rebounds and dished out 220 assists. He also excelled on defense.

His career highs were 28 points against Virginia Tech, 10 field goals in that game, 11 free throws made vs. Duquesne, nine rebounds against Pitt, along with seven steals, and 11 assists vs. George Washington.

Moore said he came off the bench and averaged about 10 points a game as a freshman. But he thought that was a great experience for the three years as a starter that followed through the 1980 season.

Besides Huggins, playing ahead of Moore were Russell Chapman, Tony Robertson, “Mo” Robinson and Sid Bostick.

“They were the starting five and they all played hard, so when I came in you had no choice but to play hard as I could,” he said of his reserve role.

Three were seniors and two were juniors.

Huggins voiced similar respect for Moore’s basketball knowledge and ability.

“He was a terrific player,” the veteran coach said. “He had all of the physical abilities.

“He was quick. He was fast. He could shoot. He was a great teammate.”

While they played together just one year, Huggins saw Moore play later while studying for a master’s degree.

“Lowes also was a really good guy off the court,” Huggins continued. “We’ve all stayed close since leaving WVU. There was no secret that all of the guys liked to win.”

Moore is a member of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame. He also was named to the school’s all-team for the period 1976-85. He also made Atlantic 10 all-conference and all-tournament teams.

Moore, who played in 113 games, tallied 1,696 points, 378 rebounds, 344 assists, 132 steals and 22 blocks.

His career highs included 40 points against Notre Dame, 15 field goals against Ohio State, 16 free throws against Duquesne, 13 rebounds versus Villanova and 10 assists versus Rutgers.

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