BUFFALO, N.Y. - During the NCAA Native American Heritage Month, D'Youville University athletics proudly recognizes men's basketball redshirt-senior guard Justin Moore, whose deep connection to his Creek (Muscogee) roots continues to guide his character, his athletic journey, and the way he carries himself on and off the court.
 

Moore, originally from Oxford, Alabama, comes from the Creek (Muscogee) Nation, a community where tradition, family, and cultural pride remain central to everyday life. Even while living far from home, he carries that identity closely.
 

"I'm proud to come from the Creek Nation. My family has strong traditions and values that have played a big role in who I am today," Moore said. "Even being away from home, I carry that sense of identity and belonging with me everywhere I go."
 

Moore's cultural upbringing has been a foundation for both his personal development and his growth as an athlete. The values instilled in him—strength, humility, and perseverance—shape the way he competes, leads, and interacts with others.
 

"My heritage has taught me the importance of strength, humility, and perseverance. Being Creek means valuing community, respecting others, and working hard without needing attention or praise," he explained.
 

Representing his heritage at D'Youville is something Moore holds with deep pride
 

"Every time I step on the court, I'm not just playing for myself. I'm representing my family, my community back home, and the generations that came before me," he said.
 

The cultural teachings of the Creek Nation are woven into his approach to the game. Respect, balance, and care for the people around him form the foundation of how he competes as a teammate and leader.
 

"In the Creek community, there's a strong focus on respect, balance, and taking care of those around you," Moore said. "On the court, that shows up in how I treat my teammates, how I handle adversity, and how I prepare myself mentally."
 

As he continues to grow as a D'Youville Saint, Moore carries immense pride—not just in his heritage, but in the opportunity to represent something larger than himself.
 

"I'm proud to be part of a program and a campus community that allows me to grow, compete, and represent something meaningful every time I step on the court," he said.
 

D'Youville University is honored to celebrate Moore's story and the rich legacy of the Creek (Muscogee) Nation during the NCAA Native American Heritage Month. His leadership, humility, and cultural pride embody the spirit of what it means to be a Saint.