June 13, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - While many coaches spend their summers planning for the upcoming season by drawing up plays, Saint Joseph's third-year assistant coach Susan Moran is keeping busy as a member of the Canterbury Wildcats of the Women's National Basketball League in New Zealand.

Heralded as the "highest of any professional to come to (New Zealand)" by Canterbury Head Coach Phil Burns, Moran didn't disappoint in her season debut. The six-foot-one forward poured in 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting in a 104-51 victory over the Otago Breakers.

The only Saint Joseph's player ever to lead the team in scoring and rebounding all four of her seasons on Hawk Hill, Moran brought her all-around abilities to the Wildcats. Through the opening nine games of the season, Moran has paced Canterbury in both scoring (30.8 points per game) and rebounding (10.7 rebounds per game). Versus the Waikato Lady Titans, the Tullamore, Ireland native scored a season-high 44 points on 20-of-27 from the floor.

Collecting six double-doubles in nine chances, Moran has helped the

Third-year assistant coach Susan Moran.

Wildcats to the top spot in the WNBL with an 8-1 record.

"Susan has been able to tap into her professional basketball talents by playing in New Zealand for three months," said Saint Joseph's Women's Basketball Head Coach Cindy Griffin. "She is a terrific player and coach as her experience overseas will certainly enhance our program!"

A member of the Irish National Team, Moran followed former Hawk standout and New Zealand native Megan Compain ('97) to the Wildcats. Last season, Compain helped lead Canterbury to title, but didn't rejoin the team this year. Fortunately for Canterbury, Moran has filled in well and has the Wildcats poised to repeat as champs.

"Susan , along with Megan, have helped bring our program in touch with many people world-wide," Griffin said.

A member of the Irish National Team, Canterbury is the third professional team Moran has played for. The 25 year-old has previously played professionally in Spain and was a member of the Women's National Basketball Association's New York Liberty in 2002.

Upon her graduation, Moran's name was atop eight school records and received numerous awards including Associated Press and Women's Basketball Coaches of Association All-American Honorable Mention in 2002, Atlantic 10 and Big 5 Player of the Year honors the same season and 1999 Rookie of the Year acknowledgements by the A-10 and Big 5.

Click here to follow Moran and the Canterbury Wildcats.