In a showcase of young talent at the DMV Live event, RJ Moore, a promising guard from the Class of 2027, made quite the impression. With his sharp shooting and high basketball IQ, Moore tallied an impressive 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, leading Ambassador Christian (NC) to a 73-65 victory over DeMatha HS on Saturday.
Moore's pivotal moment came with five minutes left on the clock. With the game tied at 49, he nailed a long-range three-pointer that swung the momentum in Ambassador's favor, allowing them to take control and eventually seal the win.
As Moore looks to finalize his college decision before the 2026-27 school year begins, he's been attracting attention from a variety of programs. Schools like Washington, Utah, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Georgetown, and Virginia have shown interest, with Alabama and Notre Dame recently joining the recruitment race.
Basketball runs in Moore's veins. He's the son of Ricky Moore, a current assistant coach at NC A&T, and has grown up immersed in the sport.
His early years were spent in Connecticut gyms, where his father was an assistant coach at UConn. Ricky Moore, known for his defensive skills, boasts a national championship win both as a player and as a coach with the Huskies.
Reflecting on his childhood, RJ Moore recalls the excitement of the 2014 national championship win with Shabazz Napier, describing it as a surreal experience.
Standing tall and athletic, Moore is primarily recruited as an off guard. He prides himself on his rebounding abilities, which he feels are often overlooked, and his innate feel for the game, which enhances his vision and decision-making on the court.
Moore shared insights on his recruitment journey:
Utah: "Assistant coach Raphael Chillious has been a long-time contact. He's a great mentor, always sending motivational messages. He and my dad go way back to their days coaching together at UConn."
Georgetown: "They've been in touch since mid-June. They see my style fitting well with their team, though they haven't made an official offer yet."
Vanderbilt: "Coach Joel Justice and recruiting director Chad Myers have shown a lot of interest. They appreciate my shooting and scoring abilities. I might consider an official visit."
Notre Dame: "Their message resonates with me. They see my scoring and shooting fitting perfectly into their system."
Florida State: "They offered at the end of last season. They like big guards and believe I can immediately contribute to their offense."
RJ Moore's journey is just beginning, but his talent and basketball heritage suggest a bright future ahead. Keep an eye on this young star as he navigates his path to college basketball.