Xavier Moon

Xavier Moon, born on January 2, 1995, is a skilled American professional basketball player known for his performances with the teams Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Ontario Clippers of the NBA G League. As the nephew of former NBA star Jamario Moon, Xavier has successfully crafted his own esteemed place in the sport. He was recognized as the CEBL Player of the Year for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021 while playing for the Edmonton Stingers, highlighting his significant impact on the court.

Raised in Goodwater, Alabama, Moon’s introduction to organized basketball took place in the seventh grade. His high school years were spent at Central Coosa High School where he slowly climbed the ranks, moving from the junior varsity team as a freshman to three years on varsity. His basketball prowess was apparent early on; in his senior year, he led Alabama in scoring, with an impressive average of 35 points per game. His performances in the tournament semifinal and championship game were remarkable, scoring 48 and 50 points, respectively. As a result, Moon was awarded a place on the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State team and participated in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game. He also demonstrated his athletic versatility during his senior year by playing as a quarterback for the football team. Despite his achievements, Moon did not immediately garner major attention from recruiters; his first scholarship offer arrived from Itawamba Community College during his senior season. However, he eventually chose to sign with Northwest Florida State College.

Moon spent his first two collegiate years at Northwest Florida State College, establishing himself as a key player by his sophomore year, during which he averaged 7.7 points per game. As the Raiders’ “Sixth Man of the Year,” Moon helped guide the team to an impressive record of 33-2 and secure the National Junior College Championship. Post this victory, he transferred to Morehead State, a team he felt more at home with.

Moon’s evolution as a player continued at Morehead State, where he was second in team scoring during his junior year, averaging 10.2 points per game. However, his true breakout came when he achieved Morehead State’s first triple-double on December 19, 2016, against Central Arkansas. His performance displayed his potential, scoring 25 points, with 11 assists and 10 rebounds. As a senior, he maintained his high scoring average, around 16.0 points per game, and added 4.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. Moon’s exceptional performances saw him named to the First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference. He graduated from Morehead State in May 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.

Moon then made strides in the professional forum, signing his first professional contract in August 2017 with ALM Évreux Basket of France’s LNB Pro B league. However, his time with the team was short-lived due to conflicts with the coach, leading Moon to return home to Alabama. His uncle Jamario Moon, the former NBA player, suggested that Xavier join his team, the Albany Patroons, a recommendation that proved successful.

Becoming known as “half Moon” in the Patroon locker room – a playful moniker in contrast with his uncle’s “full Moon” – Xavier proved his worth on the team. Averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, he was subsequently named North American Premier Basketball’s rookie of the year. In September 2018, Moon signed with the London Lightning of the National Basketball League in Canada, where he continued to flourish, averaging 13.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game across a 40 game span.

Moon’s career then took him to the Canadian Elite Basketball League, where he joined the Edmonton Stingers. His first game for the team saw him score an impressive 36 points, leading the Stingers to a 118-105 overtime victory against the Niagara River Lions. In his two seasons with the Stingers, Moon led the team to the semi-finals and won league MVP twice.

Moon then took his talents abroad, signing with Maccabi Hod HaSharon of the Israeli National League during the summer of 2020. Despite the league being known for its competitive nature, Moon thrived, averaging 24.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game over 31 games.

Returning to Edmonton Stingers for the 2020-2021 CEBL season, Moon continued his dominance. His stellar performances saw him win his third CEBL MVP award, his second CEBL Championship, and his second CEBL Finals MVP Award.

In October 2021, Moon signed with the Agua Caliente Clippers back in the US before being given the opportunity to sign a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers in December 2021. His NBA debut came against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena. This resulted in multiple 10-day contract extensions, before finally signing a two-way contract in late January 2022. He was later reacquired and activated by the Ontario team where he continued to impress before finally signing a standard contract with Los Angeles Clippers.

Despite the ups and downs, Moon’s resilience and determination saw him rise through the ranks. Moon’s journey in basketball is testimony to hard work, perseverance, and consistent effort. Away from the court, Moon’s personal life has also had its challenges. Being the oldest of three children born to Michelle Moon, Xavier did not find out who his father, Brian Thomas, was until his junior year of high school. In a cruel twist of fate, his stepfather, Elbert Wilson, was tragically murdered while mowing his lawn in 2016. But through all obstacles and adversity, Xavier Moon has not only survived; he has thrived.