Sarah Mozley

Willetton Tigers MSBL import Moe Barrow is ready to bring a strong defensive presence to the men’s line-up this season. 

Raised in New York, the 26-year-old started playing basketball when he was eight and began his career with college basketball at Fairfield University, before landing his first professional gig in Austria in 2014.

He moved to Perth in 2015 where he played for the Geraldton Buccaneers for two years and most recently for the Perth Redbacks in 2018.

As the 196cm versatile American prepares for his first season with the Tigers, Barrow said he is working with head coach Steve Black on his role in defence.

“I think one of my strengths that I bring to the team is defensiveness… I can shoot, I can post up and I can defend,” Barrow said.

“Steve harps on about defence and I totally agree with him, I feel defence wins the games.”

Barrow said it was the team’s culture, led by coach Steve Black, which made him want to sign with the Tigers.

“I like the culture of the team, everybody gets along,” Barrow said.

“Steve, the mindset he has for his team, they always play hard whether they are smaller or taller than other teams, they play hard and it keeps them in the game and I just enjoy that culture.”

Having lived in Perth for a few years, Barrow benefits from knowing many of his new teammates prior to joining the club.

“I get along with them (new teammates) good, I knew most of them before I even came here,” Barrow said.

“Me and (Jackson) Hussey have played together since my first year in Australia, so I’m really cool with Hussey and Damien (Scott), Hayden (Noordhoek)… I’m just cool with all of them. 

As the Tigers prepare for the pre-season SBL Blitz this weekend, Barrow said he is ready to get back on the court.

“The last time I played was September when we (Redbacks) lost in the semi-finals, so it’s been a while since I’ve played organised basketball… so I’m mostly excited to just play.”