Everybody talks about helping the youth… but not everybody actually does the work. Justin Moore is putting action behind it with No Moore Excuses (NME Elite AAU) a program focused on developing players on and off the court. From travel to team bonding, it all takes resources, and right now they’re grinding to build something bigger than basketball.
I caught up with Justin to talk about the vision, the grind, and why this program matters.
What’s the long-term goal for NME Elite?
Programs like this don’t run off talent alone, they run off support, structure, and people willing to invest in the next generation. If you talk about “giving back,” this is one of those chances to actually do it.
What made you start NME Elite AAU?
I was working a 9-to-5 in the hospital industry as a reimbursement analyst. The money was good, but one day I looked at myself in the mirror during a lunch break, forcing a laugh at a corny joke and I didn’t like what I saw. That moment stuck with me. I knew I wasn’t meant for corporate life.
A few weeks later, my wife invited me to a church group that mentored kids through basketball. The level of play wasn’t great, and I remember thinking, “Forget the games…we need to train.” I didn’t want to sit there watching bad basketball; I wanted to fix it.
Then a parent came up to me and said, “I’d pay for this type of training.” That’s when it clicked. My wife and I sat down and created a plan, one that allowed me to walk in my purpose and do something I truly love.
What does “No Moore Excuses” stand for?
No Moore Excuses comes from how I was raised in Pittsburgh. Where I’m from, nobody cares about your circumstances, your background, your struggles, none of that. They care about results and work ethic.
I wanted to bring that same mentality to Connecticut and anywhere I train. It’s about accountability, discipline, and pushing past whatever is in your way. For me personally, it also keeps me connected to where I come from while building something meaningful for others.
What separates your program from others?
We’re not a luxury program. We don’t have a red-carpet facility or perfect conditions and that’s by design. We’ll train anywhere. There are no excuses when it comes to getting better. In fact, we embrace tough environments because that’s where real players are made.
But beyond that, we genuinely care about our athletes as people. We focus on academics, family structure, relationships, and personal growth. Basketball is just one piece.
Our AAU structure also follows what I call the “John Calipari Model” one and done. The goal isn’t to keep the same players year after year. It’s to develop them, expose them, and help them move on to bigger opportunities. We encourage collaboration with other programs and coaches. At the circuit level, that mindset is rare.
What challenges come with running an AAU program?
The biggest challenge is balancing family life. My wife has been my rock through all of this…she even came up with the name. Being a coach’s wife isn’t easy, and she’s had to adjust to everything that comes with it.
Another challenge is earning trust. This is our first AAU team after four years of building No Moore Excuses, so naturally there’s skepticism. Some people don’t take it seriously, and some players are only focused on winning. I keep my ego in check and ask a simple question: Would you rather win multiple tournaments playing limited minutes, or make a deep run, play meaningful minutes, and actually get seen by scouts? That usually puts things into perspective.
Tell us about the fundraiser—why should people support?
We run two main fundraisers. The first is our March Madness Scholarship Drive (details at http://NoMooreExcuses.com). The second is a popcorn fundraiser through Double Drive, which we launch at the start of summer practices.
Support goes directly toward travel, team activities, and creating real opportunities for these athletes. It’s about giving them access to experiences they might not otherwise have.
What’s the long-term goal for NME Elite?
The vision is to build a full indoor facility with multiple courts, a film room, weight room, and a space for athletes to grow and connect. More than that, I want to build something that lasts. Something my kids can be proud of. Something they can carry forward for generations. And who knows—maybe one day we’ll have pro athletes coming to Hamden to train and rehab in the offseason.