Prospect Overview
Strong wing who took a major leap as a jump shooter and passer in his third year at Duke to emerge as a key cog in the Blue Devils’ Final Four run.
About Wendell Moore Jr.
Wendell Moore Jr. is a long, strong small forward who turned a corner in his development as a junior at Duke. An early bloomer who looked the part physically from a young age, Moore emerged as a prospect averaging 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals per game alongside Jalen Green, Scottie Barnes, and James Wiseman on the USA team that took gold at the 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship. Winning a second gold medal at the FIBA U17 World Championship after his junior year, Moore finished his senior year at Cox Mill High School (NC) regarded as a consensus top-25 prospect in the high school class of 2019 while earning McDonald’s All-American honors.
Playing a complementary role over his first two seasons under head coach Mike Krzyzewski but struggling to score efficiently, the Charlotte native figured a lot out at once this season. Averaging 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals over 34 minutes per game, the junior’s rise as an efficient scorer and secondary ball handler played an important part in Duke’s run to the Final Four.
• Measured standing 6-foot-5.5 in shoes with a solid 217-pound frame to go along with an impressive 7-foot-0.5 wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine, Moore has a terrific combination of length and strength for a wing to go along with good all-around athleticism.
• Finishing as the Blue Devils’ second-leading scorer and most productive passer, Moore split time on and off the ball as the rudder of an explosive, young starting lineup. Making huge strides as a shooter both off the catch and off the dribble, his growth as a perimeter threat opened up his floor game allowing him to attack the rim opportunistically and use his vision and unselfishness as a passer more frequently. He was an efficient jack-of-all-trades from the perimeter this season showing a degree of aggressiveness he lacked early in his collegiate career.
• Using his length and physicality well on the ball, Moore showed the ability to guard multiple positions and flashed some instincts on the glass and in the passing lanes. He still has room to improve his consistency as an off ball defender but has the tools to more than hold his own at the next level.
Advanced Stats
• Initiating the Blue Devils’ sets, creating out of ball screens, spacing the floor, and filling lanes diligently in transition, Moore contributed in a variety of ways as a junior. Taking a significant step with his perimeter shooting, making steady decisions with the ball, and scoring steadily for much of the year, the 20-year old’s game matured significantly in his third season at Duke.
• Scoring 1.36 points per catch and shoot jump shot in the half court [95th percentile], Moore commanded a different level of defensive attention than he did when he scored just 0.90 points per attempt as a sophomore. Making real strides with his midrange pull-up as well, Moore broke out as a very capable all-around shot maker this season.
• Taking the ball strong to the rim when he looked to drive and scoring a similarly improved 1.22 points per shot around the rim in the half court [69th percentile], Moore’s shooting simplified things for him across the board. While he plays above the rim pretty impressively with a head of steam in transition, he relied on body control and his ability to pick and choose his spots in the half court.
• While Moore may not be overly dynamic with the ball, he made consistent contributions as a facilitator this season moving the ball well along the perimeter, driving and kicking, and committing relatively few turnovers. His unselfishness was always a plus but his ability to fill in as a primary ball handler made him indispensable for Duke.
Defensive Analysis
• Possessing a good combination of length and strength, Moore showed a willingness to put a body on opposing forwards and the ability to slide with many guards on the perimeter flashing intriguing versatility.
• Showing some hustle on the glass and denying off the ball, Moore was very solid for the most part last season but was not immune to lapses.
Profile by Synergy Sports
