2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Omari Moore
Overview
After a relatively quiet high school career for an NBA prospect, Omari Moore graduated from Pasadena High School in California in 2018, following up with a postgraduate year at Middlebrooks Academy. There, he averaged 20 points and six assists, leading him to commit to play college basketball at San Jose State. Moore played all four years at San Jose State, becoming a full-time starter as a sophomore. As a junior, he was named to the Mountain West All-Conference Honorable Mention Team while averaging 13.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks. As a senior, he was Mountain West Player of the Year, averaging 17.4 points on 43/34/76 shooting, 4.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks.
Analysis
Moore has shown a consistent ability to improve throughout high school and college, and he’s continuously been asked to take on a bigger role. He’s smooth for his size as a bigger guard, able to drive into the lane well and take jumpers when he gets cut off, though his three-pointer was inconsistent. However, passing may be his biggest strength – something he was asked to do less of as a senior. Defensively, he should be able to handle wing assignments, and he’s proven to be able to rack up steals and blocks.
Projection
Moore’s career could take different directions compared to how well his shooting and defense translate, but he shares similarities to players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lonzo Ball and Michael Carter-Williams. However, those players are more on-ball than Moore projects to be early in his career – that trio being more of a goal down the road. Out of the gate, Moore may have to fight for an NBA roster spot, but his well-rounded skillset should make him a good teammate on both sides of the ball.
— Profile by RotoWire