Christian Moody fulfilled a dream four years ago by earning a nonscholarship walk-on spot on Kansas University’s men’s basketball team.
His brother, Patrick, has accomplished a similar feat at a different school — the University of North Carolina.
Patrick Moody, a 6-foot-4 freshman guard/forward out of T.C. Roberson High in Asheville, N.C., this week tried out for, and was granted, a spot on the Tar Heels’ junior-varsity team, which is coached by former Jayhawk guard Jerod Haase.
“I am definitely happy about him having a chance to be part of that program,” Christian Moody said before the start of practice Friday at Allen Fieldhouse. “Patrick works real hard. He wants to help the team any way he can. I’m really excited about him getting a chance to play for coach Haase.”
Patrick Moody, who followed in the footsteps of Christian on Roberson’s hoops team, “is definitely excited about playing,” on the team that will play 18 games in the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., Christian said.
It seems KU’s Moody took his younger brother on a trip to UNC over the summer, just to “say hello” to the coaches who used to work at KU and Jonas Sahratian, the former KU strength coach.
“Patrick’s loving Chapel Hill,” Christian said. “He’s really good. There’s a lot of really good players there, though.”
Patrick briefly entertained the thought of trying to walk on at Kansas.
“I think he’d have been honored to play here,” Christian said, “but I think he wanted to play closer to home.”
The Carolina JV team is made up mostly of Carolina natives who grew up dreaming of playing for the Heels. If they play well, there’s a chance they could be invited to participate on the varsity in the future.
Christian Moody was asked to give advice to the hopefuls who will be trying out for KU’s basketball team Sunday night at Allen Fieldhouse.
“I think definitely be in the best running shape you can be,” Moody said, adding, “show the coaches you are willing to really work hard, that you’ve got a great attitude. Look at the coaches when they are talking to you.”
KU coach Bill Self said he was open to the idea of keeping a walk-on if one was talented enough. He noted Jayhawks always could use players during practice.
Christian Moody recommends the walk-on lifestyle.
This year, he has been rewarded with a full scholarship.
“It’s a lot of hard work, well worth it getting to play for coach Self,” Moody said. “What more can you ask for to play in the fieldhouse, play for the fans? It’s a dream come true.”