Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Shakeel Moore
Class: 2020
Committed to: NC State
What the Player Said:
Q: What ultimately went into your decision for NC State today'
Moore: 'Today, just my mom… one of the reasons why I do everything, play basketball, what I do off the court, it was just of one of them days that I was all in for it.'
Q: What were some of the key factors that went into your decision that ultimately push it over the top for you'
Moore: 'Some of the things that pushed it over the top for me is Coach Keatts. He is a great coach and he lets his guards go and create for themselves as well as others. It was close to home and in the best conference, the ACC… nothing beats that and I want to get to the next level. I feel like if you aren't trying to go to the next level, you shouldn't be playing in the ACC.'
Q: What has the staff spoken to you about how they might use you early on'
Moore: 'My defense, I take great pride in my defense. He wants you to play defense and score the ball and if so, run the point guard spot.'
Q: What kind of duo and relationship have you built with 2020 Cam Hayes'
Moore: 'He has been pulling at me, trying to get me to come in. Now, I just look forward to getting my teammate on board.'
Q: What kind of duo do you think you all could be at NC State'
Moore: 'I think we will be much better than we showed this summer. We didn't have a dominant big on the court but I think it will be easier because we are scrappy on defense, can score the ball really well, and both can run the 1 or 2.'
Q: With the decision behind you now, what is going to be your mentality for your game'
Moore: 'My goal is just to get better every day and go home, take care of my body… I'm just incredibly excited (about my decision).'
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
'Offensively, Moore really put his full arsenal on display and showed that he has no real weaknesses. He is able to see the entire floor and manipulate opposing defenses whenever he pleases. Moore is a great passer who is incredibly unselfish, always looking to make the right play instead of forcing the action onto himself. However, he is a special kind of scorer, too. He is insanely efficient from all three levels while living above the rim-add those to his ball-handling ability and IQ, and you have quite a special offensive player. On the defensive end, there is no drop-off in expectation, as Moore constantly dogs his assignment into basically handling the ball over; he has such quick hands and feet that opponents blatantly struggle while showing frustration. Meanwhile, Moore displays a calm demeanor throughout and consistently destroys his opponent on both sides of the floor.' – Phenom Hoops in 2017
'Moore has an elite, translatable skill, a skill that he is able to use to dictate and control a game. He is an elite-level defender, both on and off the ball. He had several steals and just as many deflections, as he was able to control the game on that end… We all know he is athletic and highly explosive, but his ability to dictate a game on the defensive end makes him special.' – Jamie Shaw
'Shakeel Moore came into the event with a lofty reputation as being one of the state's best 'on-ball defender.' As a matter of fact, we can take it a step further and say it would be hard press to have a better 'on ball' defender on a national level than Shakeel Moore. Standing a strong, athletic 6'0, Moore has long arms and active hands. Moore has the frame that can body up a bigger/taller guard, but has the lateral quickness, along with an impressive 'lateral reach.' Moore has excellent 'defensive posture,' and plays much bigger than his listed height. He is always playing with his arms wide and his quick hands allow him to get 'picks' in the open court and have great anticipation on passes where he often gets deflections and steals.' – Rick Lewis from HS Jamboree in 2019
