A player that certainly seems to be on the rise, recruiting wise, 2022 6’8 Braeden Moore is catching the eyes of many after an impressive sophomore season at Christ Presbyterian Academy and what he has shown this summer. It is why high-major schools are coming and offers are starting to pick up.
Phenom Hoops recently spoke to Moore to get the latest, find out his thoughts on the latest offers, and the long list of schools that are showing interest his way. Check out what he had to say.
PHR: Well first off, how has everything been going for you this summer in all as far as basketball'
Moore: As well as it could with COVID. I was able to really work on my game, which was great.
PHR: What did you want to show with your game on the court'
Moore: It’s a pretty known fact that I can shoot the three but I wanted to show that I have a good mid-range game and how well I play defense on the perimeter and down low.
PHR: How are you hoping to take your success this summer and apply it to this upcoming season'
Moore: I would like to step up and be a strong leader on my high school team. We have a great coach and team this year and I expect big things. From a playing perspective, I’m looking to show how much my finishing skills have improved, as I am stronger and I was able to add 4-inches to my vertical this summer.
PHR: Your recruitment has been picking up as well. What’s been the latest overall'
Moore: Yes, high majors/ Big East schools are calling/zooming daily. In the last week or so, my recruitment has really stepped up. I am focused on the best/right fit, not necessarily the biggest logo. I have some great mid-majors that I still like that are in the picture,
PHR: TCU was the latest offer to come your way. What are your thoughts on them and what did they have to say'
Moore: I really like TCU. They are calling daily and I like the entire staff, including Coach Dixon. We had a great zoom call. I’ve also recently zoomed with Iowa, Xavier, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Ohio, Utah, West Virginia, Rice, etc. In the last week or so, I’ve heard from UCF, Cincinnati, Missouri, Ohio State, Arkansas, Memphis, James Madison, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Florida State, Duquesne, Oklahoma State, Valparaiso, Arizona State, USC, Rutgers, Richmond, and Northwestern.
PHR: That certainly is an extensive list. What has been the general conversations you have heard from those coaches and what they like about your game'
Moore: My shooting is what first attracts them. My quick release and deep range at 6’8 is what gets them excited. I hit 100 3-pointers last season. They see how I have a high basketball IQ and that I can guard the wing and lower block. They like my versatility on the court and that I’m a high character kid off the court and that both my parents were collegiate athletes.
PHR: San Diego State, Rutgers, and Old Dominion were a few other schools that recently offered. What are your thoughts on them by chance'
Moore: I really like Coach Dutcher at San Diego State and they have a great program. I’m from SoCal, so that gives me a great option if I ever wanted to go to school in SoCal. I think Rutgers is a program on the rise and I really enjoyed the coaching staff. I have always liked the state of Virginia and ODU looks to have a great setup. I also really like Rice as well. I have family in Houston.
PHR: What schools that haven’t offered yet would you say are showing the strongest interest your way'
Moore: Iowa, Utah, Wisconsin, Indiana, Boston College, Missouri, Arkansas, UCF, Cincinnati, Northwestern, and Oklahoma State.
PHR: What are the factors that you are looking at with schools'
Moore: Culture and overall fit are the most important things.
PHR: Have you made any virtual or any other visits to schools yet'
Moore: Yes, many schools on my own. 10+. We travel a lot, so I like to go to campus on my own and get a feel. The more I visit, the more I begin to start to understand what I like. Obviously, I have no interaction with the basketball staff, which is good in some ways because I can get an unbiased view.
PHR: Did anything really stand out on those trips about any schools'
Moore: Not really. I’m trying to visit every school to see what I like but haven’t narrowed it down yet. I’m learning that I’m open to location.