Moore’s Moment: NCAA Grants Eligibility Waiver to WVU’s Rising Star
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — June 10, 2025
In a decision that sent ripples of anticipation across Mountaineer Nation, the NCAA has officially approved a waiver granting West Virginia University men’s basketball player Chance Moore eligibility for the 2025–26 season.
Moore, a 6-foot-6 guard-forward hybrid with length, grit, and undeniable upside, transferred to WVU amid a flurry of offseason coaching changes and program shuffles nationwide. The waiver, submitted in early spring, cited “extenuating circumstances related to coaching transitions, mental health considerations, and academic continuity.” After months of review and anticipation, the ruling came down today: Moore is cleared to play.
“This is a huge win — for Chance, for our program, and for the future of Mountaineer basketball,” said new head coach Darris Nichols, a WVU alum returning to Morgantown in his first year as head coach. “Chance brings a versatile skill set, a high motor, and an incredible drive to get better. He’s a game-changer, plain and simple.”
Moore’s journey has been anything but linear. Originally a four-star recruit out of Georgia, he began his collegiate career at an SEC powerhouse but struggled to find consistent playing time. After a brief and turbulent stop at another Division I program, he made the decision to come to WVU in January 2025, drawn by Nichols’ vision for a fast, physical, and modern brand of basketball.
“I chose West Virginia because it felt like home,” Moore said in a statement released by the university. “Coach Nichols believed in me. This program believed in me. I’m grateful to the NCAA for recognizing my situation and giving me a fair shot to prove myself on the court.”
Moore’s approval couldn’t come at a better time for the Mountaineers, who are retooling their roster following a challenging 2024–25 campaign. With Moore now cleared, WVU boasts a dynamic core featuring sophomore point guard K.J. Rhodes, stretch forward Luka Petrović, and veteran center Malik Benton.
Teammates have already taken note of Moore’s impact in offseason workouts.
“He’s a killer,” said Rhodes. “He’s got that mentality — he wants the smoke. He’s vocal, he competes every possession, and he’s not scared of the moment. You can just tell he’s got next.”
Fans in Morgantown, ever passionate and loyal, are already buzzing about what Moore could mean for the program’s future. Social media exploded following the NCAA announcement, with hashtags like #MooreTime and #UnleashChance trending regionally within hours.
Still, Moore remains grounded.
“This isn’t about me proving people wrong,” he said. “It’s about proving the people who believe in me right. I’ve been through a lot to get here, and now I just want to hoop. I want to win.”
With a full year of eligibility ahead, and a clean slate in Morgantown, the 2025–26 season may very well be Chance Moore’s moment — and possibly the start of a new era for West Virginia basketball.
