June 27, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - Before even playing a game for the Canterbury Wildcats of the Women's National Basketball League in New Zealand, Saint Joseph's third-year assistant coach Susan Moran's reputation preceded her.

Touted as the "highest of any professional to come to (New Zealand)" by Canterbury Head Coach Phil Burns, expectations were high for Saint Joseph's all-time leading scorer.

Moran didn't disappoint. The six-foot forward scored 43 points on 14-of-21 shooting in the championship game to help the Wildcats to an 83-69 victory on June 21. Named the Finals MVP, Moran went 15-of-16 from the free throw line and added nine rebounds as Canterbury earned its second straight league title.

After leading the Wildcats to the top-seed in the four-team playoff, Moran led Canterbury to an 84-54 victory over fourth-seeded Walkato in the semifinals. The Tullamore, Ireland native scored a game-high 37 points and added 13 rebounds.

A former Atlantic 10 and Big 5 Player of the Year, Moran averaged 40 points and 12 rebounds per game in the playoffs to go with her regular-season averages of 29.6 points and 10.3 rebounds.

Moran's season didn't go unnoticed by the WNBL coaches either. The 25-year old was voted 2005 All-Forward and earned a spot on the All-Star Five.