On the Orlando Magic’s home floor, Jan. 26, 2012, E’Twaun Moore recorded his only double-digit scoring performance of his rookie year. The shooting guard netted 16 points including four 3-pointers; however, he was a member of the visiting Boston Celtics.
Although his efforts helped the opposing team secure a 91-83 win, that night would foretell what Magic fans would come to know and love when seeing number 55 in the Amway Center. Transitioning into more of a combo guard for the Magic, Moore has gained the responsibility of a point guard and floor general. He now has to be concerned about getting teammates involved, providing energy when needed and controlling the flow of the game for the entire team.
So far, the young guard has shown no sign of discomfort. He has already recorded 12 more double-digit games and 43 more assists than in his entire rookie season. His improvement has been among the best in the NBA. But, Moore’s success comes as no surprise to the Magic organization. “He’s a player,” head coach Jacque Vaughn said on Moore’s contribution to the team thus far. “When you can score the basketball, it makes the transition a little bit easier.”
In this week’s Q&A, Moore showed FOX Sports Florida his personality off the court. His game may not be a surprise, but his talkative personality definitely was.
FS Florida: So just watching you compared to guys like Glen Davis and Jameer Nelson, it seems like you’re a pretty quiet guy. But, now that I’m sitting here talking to you I’m not so sure... E’Twuan Moore: "I can see how you would say that, because out of all my family, I’m probably the quietest. In my family, everybody is a talker. My brother talks all the time. My sister is always talking. My father talks a lot. All of them are very outgoing. That’s probably why I’m so laid back now because I grew up listening to them all day, every day. I had to be the one to balance them out. So maybe it’s the same when people look at me around my teammates. But, you can ask them or my family, I’m not quiet at all. I can talk with the best of them. I like to have fun and joke around." FS Florida: What was it like growing up in a family of talkers? Moore: "Never a dull day, that’s for sure. They are fun to be around. I grew up in Indiana with my mother and my father an older brother and an older sister. I’m the baby of the family. It was great. We’re all really close."
FS Florida: Where did you learn how to play basketball?
Moore: "Outside. There’s a basketball court right behind the building where we lived. We used to play outside all day, every day. It was some battles out there. That’s where it all started for me."
FS Florida: Did your siblings play sports also?
Moore: "My brother played basketball. He actually played in college at a Division II school. My sister didn’t really play too many sports. She did run track though."
FS Florida: So did you go with your brother to the courts to play?
Moore: "Yeah, sometimes. He’s nine years older than me though, so half the time he wasn’t around. But, when he would come back to visit he would take me with him to play. Watching him made me want to play basketball."
FS Florida: What’s it like being the baby of the family?
Moore: "It’s pretty cool. I used to get away with a lot of stuff that my older siblings really couldn’t get away with. And I get spoiled a lot, so I kind of like it (laughing)."
FS Florida: Did you play any other sport other than basketball?
Moore: "I played football up until high school. I love football. It actually used to be my favorite sport, but I was better in basketball so I just stuck with that."
FS Florida: Are you a Colts fan?
Moore: "No. I’m a Bears fan. It’s crazy because I’m from East Chicago, Indiana. So I’m closer to Chicago than I am to Indianapolis. To get to the Colts stadium is like two hours. To get the Bears stadium is like 15 minutes."
FS Florida: So who was your favorite football player growing up?
Moore: "I liked Jerry Rice growing up. I was a quarterback when I played, so you got to love a great receiver."
FS Florida: What’s it like living down south for the first time in your life?
Moore: "It’s different here. Of course the biggest difference is the weather. There are a lot more outdoor things you can do here than up north or in the mid-west. It’s been a great change."
FS Florida: Have you been to any theme parks down here yet?
Moore: "Yeah, I’ve been to Islands of Adventure. I had a good time. I’m a big roller coaster guy. I like the thrill. You know you get a little adrenaline rush when you’re getting ready to go on the rides." FS Florida: What’s your dressing style like?
Moore: "I’m pretty urban. Jeans, Polo T-Shirt, you know pretty simple. Nice. But, simple." FS Florida: What is your sweet tooth snack of choice?
Moore: "I’m a big chocolate person."
FS Florida: I heard that you also like cakes. Is that right?
Moore: "Dang, how’d you know that! I do like cakes. I’m a huge brownie person too, you know because of the chocolate. Sometimes I just go to the store, get that brownie box, bake them, sit on the couch and have some fresh brownies. There’s nothing like it (laughing)."
FS Florida: What type of music do you listen to?
Moore: "Hip Hop and R&B. My favorite rapper is Jay-Z." FS Florida: Do you have a hobby outside of basketball?
Moore: "Yeah, I like to play cards. I play a lot of spades with my family. It’s always a good time." FS Florida: Has your family been down here yet?
Moore: "Well my parents haven’t been down yet. They’re coming down for Christmas though. So I’m really excited about that. Still need to finish up my Christmas shopping. I’m kind of a late shopper. The way I do it is I ask a lot of questions. I ask my mom what she thinks my dad would want. I ask my dad what he thinks my mom would like. I usually wait until the last minute too. But, somehow it always seems to work out." FS Florida: What’s been your biggest adjustment from your rookie year in Boston playing limited minutes to now here Orlando with a big role on this team?
Moore: "I had a change of position when I came here. In Boston I used to play all shooting guard. Now I am playing the point. So it’s definitely been a learning experience for me, a chance for me to grow and learn how to run a team and get other people involved."
FS Florida: What was your draft night like?
Moore: "Draft night I had a little party with my family and friends. It was great for my family to be there with me to enjoy the start of something new. It was also definitely eye opening for me. Going through the draft process you get to see the business side of the game right away. I was drafted late in the second round. At the time I was wishing I would have gone higher in the draft, but it all ended up working out for the best." FS Florida: Draft night also inspired your jersey number right?
Moore: "That is correct. I was drafted the 55th pick in the NBA Draft and that’s the reason why I wear number 55. The crazy thing is, it fits me perfectly because in high school I was 22, in college I was 33, and now I’m 55." FS Florida: What about 44?
Moore: "(laughing) I don’t know. Maybe I’ll score 44 points one day."
