Meet Moondog
The crescent moon over his left eye and his paw print “moon” logo on his Cavaliers jersey might be one of first things fans see when they look at him, but his style, wit and energy toward his Cavaliers is what they’ll remember. As the lead player in the Cavaliers’ entertainment-based cast of characters (which includes the Cavalier Girls dance team and the interactive Scream Team), Moondog will help define the new brand of high-energy event presentation that will be part of the Cavaliers’ fan experience. We had a moment to catch up with Moondog for an exclusive interview after the game:
So why is the Cavaliers mascot a dog?
I'm not just a dog, I'm a Moondog with a unique connection not just to the Cavaliers, but to Cleveland. Cleveland's known worldwide as the Rock-n-Roll city. And everyone knows that famed Cleveland radio disc-jockey, Alan Freed, coined the phrase “Rock and Roll,” breaking new ground and sparking a music explosion. Freed even called himself the “Moondog,” and his listeners were “Moondoggers”. When the Cavaliers looked to create a whole new event experience that proudly represents our city, I knew I had all the right connections. As a Moondog, I am 100% Cleveland. I have dedicated myself to follow the spirit of Alan Freed. The man was innovative, fun-loving, passionate and controversial … all things I hope to be.
With the change to the “new expression of Wine and Gold” fans might have been expecting a “Cavalier Man”, like on early Cavaliers logos. Was he your biggest competition in getting this job?
Not at all. Actually less than half of the mascots in the NBA are directly based on the team names. It’s much more common for the mascot to be indigenous to the town or area like my buddies the Utah Jazz Bear or Rocky the Mountain Lion in Denver. Seattle’s Squatch isn't a Sonic (or even loud for that matter), but he's indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. Some are even totally unrelated to the team, like the Phoenix Suns Gorilla. A “Moondog” is unique to Cleveland, so it just makes sense.
What do you want to help change at the Gund this year?
I read the other day that Coach Silas wants to make the Gund into a place that other teams would rather avoid; a place where the Cavaliers truly have home-court advantage. Well, sign me up Coach, because I want to help lead that.
I’m also excited about the focus and energy we are spending on making the Gund into an entertainment showcase. I’m really thrilled to have great teammates like the Cavalier Girls and the Scream Team who are really going to help rock the Gund Arena.
Do you have a favorite NBA player?
Well, besides all the Cleveland Cavaliers, I'd have to say Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson is up there. There are players I'm not crazy about, like a guy in L.A. I've heard about called "The Mailman."
Talk about your entertainment teammates the Cavalier Girls and the Scream Team.
First of all…wow. Both teams are packed deep with first-round talent. The Scream Team is a great mix of personalities and skills. There are tumblers to break dancers and a guy who can spin on his head forever. They’re a blast to be around. The Dancers are fantastic too. The bring style and class (not my strong suits) to the court and I think fans are going to be blown away by the choreography. They are quick to point out they are not cheerleaders, which is cool since that’s where I come in. I look forward to leading the fans into the game so our guys can feed off the Gund Arena energy and we can start creating the home court that Coach Silas is looking for.
