Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Looking at the 2015 Class, Part V

Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

DORAL MOORE
C – 7’1, 230
LUELLA – LOCUST GROVE, GA

RIVALS:  ***** (16)
SCOUT:  **** (34)
24/7:  ***** (20)
ESPN:  ****  (36)

NOTABLE OFFERS:  Kansas, Louisville, Texas, Indiana, Ohio State, Illinois

Of course, Kentucky has  Willie Cauley-Stein for this season, however, WCS is the player that recruit Doral Moore emulates on the court:

"When asked who he would compare himself to, Moore paused for a moment. “It’s hard to say, because there’s not a lot of seven-footers, but right now I look at [Kentucky’s] Willie Cauley-Stein because of his defense,” he said. “He can’t just guard big men, he can guard guards, too.” As would be expected for a player of his size and ability, Moore’s got a laundry list of offers too long to rattle off to reporters. “The ones that stick out the most: Illinois, Ohio State, Texas, Kentucky, Kansas, Indiana, Louisville,” he said. Currently, Moore doesn’t have any visits planned — he said he wants to make his decision by the fall — though he does know what he’s looking for in a college"

That interview took place on April 27th and Kentucky while still looking at him, have not jumped in with the offer yet.  Moore seems to think a bit differently about the offer as he feels UK gave him a “take it or leave it” offer recently.

"“They basically said, ‘We’re not going to keep following you and keep recruiting you, so either come with us or go somewhere else,'” Moore said. Last week Kenny Payne visited the Locust Grove (Ga.) Luella standout in his home. The meeting left Moore shocked and surprised. The reason, he said, was because of how honest UK was in terms of his recruitment. Moore’s Atlanta Xpress AAU coach Chris Williams told Cats Illustrated last weekend that Payne told Moore all the bigs they had offered and were going after. “Technically they did offer,” Moore said. “But they said they can easily get somebody else.”"

It is kind of interesting the comments by Moore, but it seems that the offer may not be official.  That may be because Moore is seen as more of a long-term prospect.  He has great hands and good range from 15 feet in, but he obviously needs to beef up and add muscle.  Moore recently took an unofficial visit to Georgia and it is unsure whether he will visit Lexington or not or if that “tentative” offer will still stand.  It’s kind of amazing to think that before Calipari, a guy like Moore would surely have been offered and a top target at this point, but Calipari has definitely changed Kentucky’s recruiting culture.

Here is what ESPN says about Moore:

"Strengths: Moore is a true center that is long, athletic and has excellent touch. He knocks down mid range jumpers off the catch has a smooth jump hook over his left should where he sis plays excellent touch. He has pretty good hands and is a good area rebounder as well. Moore also uses his length and mobility to be a good shot blocker. Moore is very talented and skilled post player with his best playing days ahead. Weaknesses: Moore needs to run the floor with more energy and urgency using long strides and more consistently. He will need to not get frustrated so easily and stay engaged in the game and stay in attack mode which will take his production and consistency to the next level. Also adding strength should be made a top priority as well. Bottom Line: Moore is a true center with great size, length and skill. He is very talented and can score, rebound and blocks shots when fully engaged into the game. Moore is a high major post player with off the charts upside."