Moe Odum Parents: Lucretia Montgomery and Maurice’s Key Role in ASU Star’s Journey
March 6, 2026 — Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State University point guard Maurice “Moe” Odum’s parents, Lucretia April Montgomery and Maurice Odum, played pivotal roles in fostering his resilience and basketball passion amid Bronx hardships, according to a recent profile.
At age 11, with his mother Lucretia April Montgomery working long office hours, Moe Odum managed daily responsibilities for siblings Milan, now 17 and a flag football player, and Pedro, now 14 and a strong student. This included a 45-minute school commute each way by train and bus, preparing meals, and overseeing homework on a $20 daily budget, occasionally skipping his own needs. Odum’s parents, though unmarried, maintained good relationships.
An eighth-grade apartment fire in the Bronx forced the family to relocate to Jersey City, N.J. Montgomery instilled key life lessons, stating:
I always told him you can’t always do something about your circumstances, but you can control how you handle them… It’s all up to you.
Introduction to Basketball
Moe Odum’s father, Maurice, introduced him to open gym basketball in ninth grade, sparking his competitive drive. Odum credits both Moe Odum parents for early exposure: “My mom and dad put a basketball in my hand, young.” Playing in Bronx parks honed his street-smart playstyle, as noted during his time at the University of the Pacific.
Continued Influence
The Moe Odum parents remain integral to his development. Odum reviews game film with his father for adjustments, per ASU’s Blaze Radio. A NewsBreak article from his Pepperdine days highlighted how Moe Odum’s parents fueled his rising career, though specifics were limited.
Odum, originally from the Bronx, New York, transferred to Arizona State after stints at Pepperdine and the University of the Pacific, emerging as a team leader. The story of Moe Odum’s parents underscores themes of family support and perseverance in his path to college basketball prominence.
