Matt Elmore works to help team even while sidelined with injury

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Matt Elmore is now in his second year with the UNCW Seahawks, but he hasn’t been able to start his season due to a knee injury. That doesn’t stop him from still trying to help his team however he can.

“I just try to be a leader on and off the court for the freshmen coming in,” Elmore said. “Showing them, since I was here last year, what to do.”

The freshmen need to listen to what Elmore has to say. After all, he got himself a ring after just one year with the team. Winning that early creates lessons that everyone returning can use.

“It shows you what it takes to be a champion from last year and shows how much hard work you actually have to put in.” Elmore said.

As Elmore looks to help the younger players, he remembers the guys that helped teach him the ropes as he developed through his freshman season.

“Definitely Devontae and probably Chuck,” Elmore said. “Chuck may not have played a lot but he definitely took me under his wing and helped me learn the ropes for college basketball.”

This year, he knows what it’s like to play college basketball. But the new staff is working to elevate his game, especially Coach Joe Wolf.

“As much knowledge and experience that he has, it’s just crazy to be able to work with a guy that has been in the league for 13 years and coached NBA players,” Elmore said. “This new staff has definitely made it easy. They’ve just come in and built a relationship with everyone.”

Coach McGrath says Elmore is in no rush to return this season as he wants what’s best for him. But when he returns, coach has high expectations for the stretch forward, something Elmore loves to hear.

“It just builds my confidence up,” Elmore said. “Knowing that I’m going to get a chance to show people what I’m going to do and help my teammates out means a lot.”

Growing up so close to UNCW, Elmore always has the support of his family. Once he gets the chance to get back on the court, he knows he’ll have the support of his coaches, his team and the best fans in North Carolina.

“Everyone is behind us no matter what,” Elmore said. “They’re always going to support us and give us the biggest effort they can. But it’s unbelievable, the amount of support and love we have from the whole school and fans is great.”