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Samuel Moss has made an instant impact at LaGrange College. The true freshman basketball player has made a quick adjustment to life on the court in college.

“It feels like a dream, it’s been amazing, and I have to thank the man above,” Moss said. 

“Moss is averaging 16.2 points a game while connecting on 41% of his 3-pointers. He was recently named CSS Rookie of the Week for the fourth consecutive week. 

“It has been a blessing,” Moss said. “I tried to just be consistent with everything I do even when things aren’t going well. I try to be a leader and an energy giver when somebody is down. I’m, so thankful for my team believing in me.”

Every young player making the transition from a high school athlete to a college athlete envisions themselves making an instant impact. But even Moss could not foresee how the early portion of his freshman season would play out.

“I did not see this coming at all,” Moss said. “I didn’t expect any of the things that are happening right now to happen to be honest.”

Moss has brought scoring and a whole lot more to the 2023-24 Panthers. Moss has a big frame for a Division III point guard and has used the weight room to get even stronger and more physical.

“My body, my tone and my shape has changed,” Moss said. “I’ve been in the weight room and the gym more. I probably shoot 300-400 shots a day. I’ve been doing more work outside of what we do at practice.”

Moss did not have to travel far from his high school stomping grounds of East Coweta to play college basketball. Now, he gets to play college basketball with his family and friends regularly in attendance.

“I know my mom didn’t want me to go far, and she really wanted me to stay local so the fam could come see me play and they do,” Moss said. “Everybody comes out and supports me here. I have the biggest support system.”

While proximity to home was a big factor in Moss coming to LaGrange College, it was far from the only factor. Panther head coach Kendal Wallace was a huge influence on Moss making the trip down I-85.

“He came to watch my high school team and bumped into my mom, and they started chit-chatting and exchanged numbers and now I’m here,” Moss said. “He treats us like his boys even off the court. He expects us to be leaders in the community.”

Despite the hot start to his college career, Moss still sees room for improvement in his game.

“I’ve been improving and working on my right hand, so I can drive that way more,” Moss said. “I’ve been trying to get that as strong as my left hand.”

The Panthers are off until playing William Peace on Dec. 29. In the meantime, Moss is enjoying some rest and recovery while enjoying time with his family.

“It’s a blessing to get some time to rest and be with the family,” Moss said.