March Madness Hero Ronald Moore Now Assistant Coach at Penn
Ronald Moore, best known for his game-winning heroics in the NCAA Tournament, is currently serving as an assistant coach for the University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team. Moore joined the Quakers’ staff in April 2025, reuniting with head coach Fran McCaffery, who previously coached Moore during their shared tenure at Siena College. This move marks Moore’s significant transition from professional player to collegiate strategist.
Moore’s status as a March Madness sensation was cemented during his time at Siena from 2006 to 2010. He is historically recognized for draining a decisive 3-pointer in double overtime to upset Ohio State in the 2009 NCAA Tournament, as well as playing a pivotal role in a 2008 upset over Vanderbilt. Following his collegiate career, Moore played professionally in Europe for 11 seasons, including stints in Italy, France, and Hungary, before retiring in 2021. Prior to joining the Penn staff, he remained active in the sport through youth training and development programs in the Philadelphia area.
Despite his celebrated playing career, Moore faces the complex challenges inherent in Ivy League coaching. The transition from point guard to bench leadership requires mastering skills in scouting, compliance, and administration that differ significantly from on-court performance. Additionally, recruiting for Penn presents obstacles not found in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC); Moore must navigate the Ivy League’s rigorous academic standards and lack of athletic scholarships, which significantly narrows the talent pool. While his “clutch” reputation provides credibility with players, skeptics note that the ability to execute plays does not always translate to the ability to teach them or manage a roster’s academic and athletic balance. Moore’s success in this role will largely depend on his ability to adapt his high-level professional experience to the developmental needs of student-athletes at an academically elite institution.
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