Illinois State University Lands Commitment From Vastly Underrated 2011 Point Guard

By Roy & Harv Schmidt

August 8, 2010

10:30 A.M. CST

Nic Moore, a 5'9 class of 2011 point guard from Warsaw High School in Warsaw, IN has verbally committed to Illinois State University.  Moore chose the Redbirds over offers from Evansville, Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne,  Ohio University, St. Bonaventure and Valparaiso and had also received considerable high major interest from a number of Big Ten programs.  His commitment was confirmed by multiple sources, including Todd Hensley, the director of the Spiece Gym Rats AAU program.

Moore took an unofficial visit to Illinois State this past Friday along with Hensley and upon its completion was totally won over.  The coaching staff, campus enviroment, facilities and the opportunity for immediate playing time were all factors which were instrumental in helping the Redbirds close the deal.

Illinois Prep Bulls-eye got the opportunity to watch Moore extensively at two of the top events which took place during the July evaluation period--the NIKE Peach Jam in North Augusta, SC and the Hoop City Classic in Kansas City.  Moore was impressive at both events, but turned in his best performances at Peach Jam, where he helped lead his Spiece Indy Heat traveling team to the final four in the 17-Under division.

There is no question in our minds that Moore is an absolute recruiting steal for head coach Tim Jankovich and the Redbirds.  That is because Moore is a jet quick point guard who possesses the outstanding combination of tremendous scoring ability to go along with exceptional playmaking skills.  He is an excellent perimeter shooter with range that extends beyond the 3-point line.  But where he really excels is with the ball in his hands, as he has terrific court vision, is a spectacular no-look passer and thrives in transition.

Kudos once again go to Redbirds assistant coach Rob Judson, who did a tremendous job of recruiting Moore.  Judson stuck to Moore like glue throughout the July evaluation period, including at Peach Jam, the Hoop City Classic and the USSA Basketball National Championships in Fort Wayne, IN.  As a result of his hard work, Judson succeeded in developing a strong relationship with Moore and his family in addition to the outstanding one that he already had with Hensley and everyone within the Gym Rats program.

Moore becomes Illinois State's second commitment from the class of 2011.  He joins 6'3 wing Johnny Hill from Glenbard East High School in Lombard, IL to give the Redbirds a future back court which we believe is capable of competing with anybody in the Missouri Valley.  

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