Back from ACL tear, Moore explores options
Four-star shooting guard Justin Moore has had six programs remain loyal in their recruitment of him as he has rehabbed from a torn ACL last spring.
He is back on the court and leading his DeMatha High program as the team’s go-to scorer.
“I am feeling great now,” he said. “I have been lifting and stuff on my off days and I have been feeling great. I was out about seven to eight months.”
One of the top shooters in the 2019 class, Moore has not seen his recruitment taper off much as Villanova, Xavier, Virginia, Maryland, Notre Dame and Wake Forest have remained in constant contact.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Villanova: “They said they are losing most of their guards by the time that I come in so I could pretty much have a chance to start and be the man. They really want me.
“It feels great having them there. It is a great school and they can get me to where I want to be. Also, Brandon Slater is going there, so it will tell me a lot about how it is there.”
Xavier: “They were the first to offer me so I really like that. They have stuck with me the whole time. Coach (Chris) Mack has a lot of interest in me; he says I am their guy and his favorite player in the 2019 class and wants me to come there.”
Virginia: “They stuck with me ever since they offered me. I have a great relationship with Coach (Jason) Williford and Coach (Tony) Bennett. They just tell me how they love how I play both ends of the court, my IQ and how I fit there. It is great to have them recruiting me.”
Maryland: “They just want for me to stay local. They come to my games quite often. Coach (Dustin) Clark contacts me every day just to check up on me.
“They said I could come in and play pretty much right away, play the one through three. Play at the point, play on the wings and just make plays.”
Notre Dame: “They are just telling me a lot about the connection that they have with DeMatha and with how their school is just like DeMatha’s since Mike Brey went there. It is just a great connection.
“DJ (Harvey) wants me to go there for sure. He just says that they get a lot of work in, ball screens, coming off pick and rolls, curling, and everything just gets you ready for the NBA.”
Wake Forest: “It is a great relationship I have there. I visited there during the summer. Coach Jamill (Jones), Coach (Danny) Manning and Coach (Randolph) Childress all contact me almost like every other day to just check up on me so it is great.”
WHAT'S NEXT
Moore is hoping to take an unofficial visit in the coming weeks. “I think I am going to visit Villanova again on Feb. 3, but that is about it,” he said.
While there is still a bit more time to go until a decision is made, Moore is a bit further ahead in the process compared to others found within the Rivals150, though a fall commitment is likely.
“I am waiting for the right time to commit," he said. "I am open and not rushing or dragging out the process. I am just concentrating on my team, grades and continuing to build relationships with the schools recruiting me."
RIVALS REACTION
One of the top shot-makers in the 2019 class, Justin Moore brings major toughness, versatility in the backcourt and a winning pedigree to the floor.
Likely headed to Villanova next month for an unofficial visit, a college commitment is not expected until after his senior summer. The Wildcats, along with Virginia, Maryland, Notre Dame, Wake Forest and Xavier sit in a good spot, though the four-star guard does remain open to others joining the mix.