Former Indiana guard A.J. Moye’s decision to become Jeffersonville’s AD runs deeper than sports

Former Indiana guard A.J. Moye called his decision to take over as athletic director at Jeffersonville a ‘no-brainer’ – a move that ran deeper than sports. 

Moye had other opportunities but chose Jeffersonville in large part because of his close relationship with head basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson, a fellow former Hoosier and reigning 4A state champion.

The relationship that he and Wilkerson share was a massive reason Moye took the job.

“It was almost a no-brainer,” Moye said during their appearance on ISB Radio with Jim Coyle. “Just going through the process and talking to Sherron, getting the chance to work with a man who’s always been like a mentor for me.”

With another former Indiana basketball player and close friend already there, it made the decision easy for Moye. 

Wilkerson played for Indiana from 1993-1996 and averaged 4.8 points per game during his time as a Hoosier.

While the two never shared the Assembly Hall court, Wilkerson became a mentor for Moye and someone he could rely on early in their relationship. 

“If I’m in a situation where I have six more days left, I’d rather spend all six with Sherron and that’s just who I am,” Moye said. “I love my boy and I’m grateful to be here. I love the city of Jeffersonville, and I love all the people at the school. I’m just trying to serve and learn right now.”

That relationship has grown significantly and heavily influenced Moye’s decision to go to Jeffersonville.

Moye’s feelings are mutual as Wilkerson praised his new boss throughout their interview.

“Everybody is thrilled to death to bring a person such as A.J. to our community,” Wilkerson said.

“From my perspective, I’m not even sure A.J. really understands this, he’s a hero in our eyes in so many different regards.”

Moye, who played for Indiana from 2000-2004, was a member of the last Hoosier team to make a Final Four.  He averaged 6.1 points per game in 129 games with the program.

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With two former Indiana players, Wilkerson said that Jeffersonville now has part of the “old Indiana guard and the new Indiana guard” with Moye being one of the first players a part of the post Bob Knight era. 

While Moye did not play for Knight, Wilkerson emphasized the impact that playing for the legendary coach had on him.

“That all is spawned from being able to play for a man by the name of Mr. Coach Bobby Knight. I think if you can do that you can do anything in life,” Wilkerson said.

Moye, who was most recently an assistant coach at Valparaiso, talked about the connection he and Wilkerson have through Indiana basketball and how it led him to Jeffersonville.

“My heart was totally driven down here because, at the end of the day, you want to enjoy yourself in life and be somewhere where the inspiration is constant and the joy and fulfillment of the job is constant,” Moye said. “There will be some pain, some hurdles to clear, and some unexpected things that might dampen your mood a bit.”

Moye brings a wealth of athletic experience, but he also brings a mindset focused on success both on and off the court/field. 

Not only does he care about results, he wants to make sure Jeffersonville competes the right way.

“We have a chance to push Jeffersonville to the forefront of complete athletic dominance. We’re going to do that through being there for our students,” Moye said. “I care more about their character and I care more about their goals and them being good people first.”

Defending a state championship in basketball will always build excitement for a new season, but Jeffersonville only added to that with the addition of A.J. Moye.

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