At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and underrated but today's edition will highlight Jakob Moore of Mount Tabor and Team Winston.
We saw thousands of prospects throughout the summer, but few more often than Moore with his Team Winston cohorts. It started in early spring, when the lefty big man completely transformed his body and took a clear step forward as a player. His offensive game largely remains predicated on fundamental post moves and through benefitting off of dump-off passes or transition play. He's continued to sharpen his footwork and, although he's lost plenty of weight, maintains great strength around the basket. Moore can knock down the open jumper on occasion but would rather work within one to two dribbles to attack the basket. That being said, he's even more impressive defensively. Moore's instincts as a rebounder and rim-protector simply cannot be overstated in terms of value. He moves extremely well for his size and does a tremendous job of altering/blocking shots without fouling.
After watching Moore at his season opener, we stated: 'There should be no question about who was the best player on the floor last night, as Moore claims that title with relative ease. The southpaw truly dominated the game on either side of the ball, controlling the glass, protecting the rim, and scoring with undeniable efficiency from the low-post. Moore understands his strengths from his weaknesses and knows how to properly embrace the positives within his game. He utilized his size and length advantage whenever possible around the basket, and should've had two more buckets if not for missed dunks. His IQ and overall timing as a defender and rebounder remain his most impressive traits. Moore should continue to be the leader of this group and garner the attention of Division I coaches going forward.'
Moore has been somewhat of a late bloomer, especially given his skill development and the way his body has improved over the last calendar year. With Quest Aldridge gone, Moore had no option but to step up as a leader for Mount Tabor, which he's done with flying colors. His recruitment has yet to take the next step but that'll likely change over the next few months, as his play has been impossible to ignore. Given his upside, trajectory, and two-way ability, it would be shocking for Moore to receive anything other than a slew of attention from college coaches going forward.