Q&A: Former Oregon basketball player Mike Moser provides insight on life in NBA Summer League

Originally Posted on Emerald Media via UWIRE

Just months after his college career ended at the University of Oregon, forward Mike Moser has made the jump to the NBA Summer League. After going undrafted in this year’s draft, Moser has averaged 13.0 (PPG) and 3.5 (RPG) for the Boston Celtics through his first four games. He hopes to earn a spot on the NBA roster heading into the season.

Having been previously projected as a first round prospect when at UNLV, did you have any expectations prior to the draft? 

I knew it was a slim chance being a fifth-year senior, so I definitely didn’t get my hopes up. Going undrafted is good because you get to pick your own team and who you want to work out for. Either way, it was a good opportunity. I had 15 workouts and the majority of them went really well.

Was it good to see former Pac-12 opponents like Jordan Adams and Kyle Anderson get drafted in the first round knowing you’ve competed well against after?

Definitely good to see Pac-12 guys being successful. It motivates me and there’s definitely a sense of confidence there knowing you’ve done well against a lot of these highly touted guys.

How was the move to Boston? 

Boston was the first team to call after the draft. They really wanted me to play for their summer league team. It’s funny because they weren’t a team I really worked out for, but through word of mouth they knew what I did down here (Oregon) and they were really intrigued.

How has the experience been with a historic franchise like Boston?

They’re one of those teams that went through a rough patch last season and are kind of in a rebuilding mode. (But) it’s one of those places (where) you expect them to get back to the top just because of their history. You go to their practice facilities and see their championship banners.

What was it like getting the call to come play for the Celtics from Danny Ainge, who is also an Oregon native that grew up in Eugene?

Danny Ainge is obviously a legend from where I’m from (Portland, Oregon). It’s definitely something that makes you feel good. Knowing he wants you to come play for his club and being asked by the Boston Celtics just makes it that much better.

Any adjustment in regard to the level of play in the NBA?

It wasn’t much of an adjustment for me. I’ve been playing against potential pros, pros overseas, you name it, all my life. Whether it’s during the summer playing against NBA players or during the year against Division I college guys, there’s never been a shortness of competition.

Recently, Assistant Coach Jay Larranga had a lot of positives on your play thus far, how does it feel to get some praise, despite not having a guaranteed roster spot?

It’s definitely nice to hear, but it’s also humbling. These are guys that coach at the highest level, so I obviously key into it and listen to everything they say and try to shuffle as much knowledge as I can. At the same time, I’m just looking for that opportunity to make one of these teams. It’s good to know it’s moving in the right direction.

Even at the summer league level, have you noticed a drastic change in the amount of resources that are available to you? 

Everything is done so diligently here and it’s definitely a blessing. You just get that sense that it’s easier to make this your job. It’s a part time thing in college. Everybody is just so serious about everything they’re doing.

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