Program MVP: Donavan Moore
Who was the MVP of each grassroots team program this past spring and summer? This might not necessarily be the best player although in many cases it is. We are looking at the player from Illinois that elevated their game and stepped up when it mattered most taking both themselves and their teams to the next level.
The Illinois Irish 16U group was probably my favorite team to watch throughout the entire spring and summer. They had different pieces that all fit together as a cohesive unit and they also had the star that when they needed a play to be made the ball was put in his hands. That player is former Hillsboro High School point guard Donavan Moore. He will be transferring to play his high school ball at West Bloomfield in Michigan next year, but this dynamic combo guard left the state with a lot of good memories this summer. He is a 2019 6’3” lefty that has smooth acceleration with the ball in his hands. Tight handles in traffic and is slippery going through the defense. Dominant attacking the hoop, but also really improved as a shooter throughout the July period. Sound passer and rebounds well for a guard. High-major player.
For me the signature performance we saw out of Moore was an early morning July game at 8:00 where there were not many fans. Just me, a mid-major assistant, and about half way through the first half one from the Big 10 joined. Moore put on an absolute clinic in every single way possible. He got to the rim at will finishing acrobatic layups, drilled pull up jump shots, dished it to his teammates, rebounded well for a guard, and defended at a high level. Coming out of that game there was no doubt he was one of the best 2019 prospects in the event.
Congratulations to Donavan Moore on winning the PrepHoopsIllinois Program MVP for the Illinois Irish.