The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1153250
88 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY JACEY ZEMBAL N C State head coach Kevin Keatts al- ways appreciates good guard play and has ramped up his efforts this summer in the hopes of signing a quality point guard. Senior point guard Markell Johnson will be ready to chase his professional dreams in a year, and the Wolfpack suffered a blow when prep signee Jalen Lecque remained in the 2019 NBA Draft (where he went undrafted, but eventually signed with the Phoenix Suns). Juniors Blake Harris and Braxton Beverly, and possibly freshman Dereon Seabron, could be tasked with replacing Johnson, but the Wolfpack are still seeking a point guard in the class of 2020. Following the commitment of three-star forward Nick Farrar of Apex (N.C.) Friend- ship Aug. 7, NC State has three scholar- ships available for the class of 2020. Three point guards have been offered, while two others that might move into the class have been targeted. Logansville (Ga.) Grayson four-star se- nior Deivon Smith and Greensboro (N.C.) Piedmont Classical reclassified three-star senior Shakeel Moore could both officially visit NC State this fall, with Smith already having his trip set for Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Reclassified four-star junior Camren Hayes of Greensboro (N.C.) Day is the X-factor because he could end up moving back to the class of 2020. He is expected to visit the Wolfpack in September. Raleigh Leesville Road four-star junior point guard Carter Whitt has also pondered moving into the 2020 class, but is currently ranked No. 44 in the 2021 class. On July 30, the Wolfpack offered four-star Putnam (Conn.) Science Academy senior point guard Hassan Diarra, Rivals.com's No. 72 overall player in the country. Neither Whitt or Diarra have yet planned to officially visit NC State. Finding a point guard of the future will be one of the story lines throughout the upcoming year. Moore Has Seen Recruitment Explode With Offers Moore, who has seen his recruitment explode this spring and summer, was able to attend NC State's team camp in June and picked up a scholarship offer June 23. Ole Miss, Pittsburgh and Texas A&M are the latest wave of tenders for the mus- cular 6-1, 185-pounder, who is a Rivals. com three-star prospect ranked as the No. 42 shooting guard in the land. "It is still heavy with interest, and we still stay in contact," Moore said of NC State. "It meant a lot to get the offer because I've been going to that team camp for the last two and a half years. "Just being on that campus is fun. There is a lot to do. To play on those courts is a pretty nice feeling." Moore has been following the Wolfpack for a number of years and has looked up to former player Sam Hunt. "I see him around town a few times, and every time I come to campus, it's just love," Moore said. "Whenever we see each other, we greet each other well," said Moore. "We have a pretty good relationship." Moore plans to make his way back to NC State at some point this summer or fall, so he can get to know head coach Kevin Keatts better. "I don't have a date set up yet," he said. "He wants to use me as a leader who is al- ways handling the ball, playing on defense and running his offense. He just wants me to come in and make an immediate impact." The lefty has a muscular build from start- ing to lift weights four years ago as a fresh- man, plus he boasts quick hands on defense. "I want to be a force on D and make stops," Moore said. "I want to keep others from get- ting to the rack and play good on the ball." Mid-major colleges mostly zeroed in on him during the high school season, but now he has a litany of offers from Power Five programs, thanks to his strong play this spring and summer. Moore knows his hard work is starting to pay off. "It was hectic and I didn't expect it," he said. "I put in the work, and when it came, it was a blessing." Moore started his prep career at Rags- dale (N.C.) High and eventually spent a semester at Charlotte (N.C.) United Faith before flourishing at Piedmont Classical, where he had reclassified into 2020. The same held true with playing travel- ing team basketball. Moore had played with Team United and Team Loaded in the past, and was the leading scorer for the Chris Paul All-Stars (CP3) in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) this summer. He averaged 16.8 points, 4.6 re- bounds and 3.6 assists per game between nine EYBL contests and five games at the Peach Invitational (PIT) July 11-13 in Au- gusta, Ga. He shot 51.9 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range, but converted at just a 55.0 percent rate at the free throw line. "It was a great opportunity [with CP3]," Moore said. Players always know what schools are prioritizing them by whether they venture away from the nearby Nike Peach Jam to attend the PIT. "I saw NC State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Saint Louis, South Florida and some other schools," said Moore, who might trim his list in a month. "I don't known when I'll sign. It depends on some things, but I ■ BASKETBALL RECRUITING NC State Is Seeking A Point Guard In The Class Of 2020 Greensboro (N.C.) Piedmont Classical three-star point guard Shakeel Moore attended NC State's team camp in June and soon after picked up a scholarship offer from the Wolfpack. PHOTO BY ED DELGADO/JON LOPEZ CREATIVE