Prospect Spotlight: Jordan Moore (2021)
We’re now approaching the last stretch of games before postseason play begins and teams want to ensure that they are playing their best basketball. For the Loyola Dons, getting a big win at Boys’ Latin this past Wednesday was a step in the right direction. Loyola is currently battling to stay in the top four teams of their division to enter postseason play. If they want to keep momentum swinging in their favor, 2021 guard Jordan Moore will have to sustain his level of play.
The 6-foot-1 dual sport athlete was key in their win over the Lakers with 19 points and made it a priority of getting out into transition where he can either finish or find streaking teammates for easy looks. As a team, the Dons are known for their preference of playing within the half court offensively and executing their sets comprised of backdoor actions, hand-offs and off-ball screens.
Moore came off the bench in several games last season and acted as more of a scorer at the two. With the Dons graduating a slew of seniors, the point guard position for this year’s team was a huge concern. Moore stepped in and took on the responsibility of running the team, which wasn’t uncharted waters for him considering he’s a standout quarterback on the football team.
“I definitely think I’ve improved in my role,” Moore continued, “we knew that the point guard spot was our hole and Coach trusted me to be the point guard so I’ve just been working as hard as I can to help the team out.”
Given that Moore can score off the dribble and get downhill consistently, it adds a wrinkle to what Loyola has had in the past in terms of point guards. Often, it can be tough for players with Moore’s athleticism and ability to be content in a half court focused offense, but he has completely bought in to the mission and knows when to mix it up.
“I think it’s a good mix. We have a good system here at Loyola and we’re especially defensively oriented. Whenever we get rebounds, we like to look to push the ball. At the end of the day, it’s about whatever it takes to win,” Moore told Prep Hoops.
Moore credited the Dons’ recent success to their focus as a team on the defensive end. He contributes in a big way on that end of the floor as well with his pesky on-ball defense and his active hands when he’s off the ball.
Multiple times in their game against Boys’ Latin, Moore got his hands on the ball and forced turnovers. He was excellent in manufacturing those turnovers into transition points. When both he and 2020 forward Mitch Fischer are locked in on both ends, the Dons become a tough team to beat. As a team, there are three things to focus on as Loyola’s regular season looks to wrap up.
“It’s going to come down to defense, rebounding and heart. Constantly playing with energy. I think if we can do those three things, I feel very confident in my team,” Moore claimed.
As stated earlier, Moore is a superstar on the gridiron. He holds 13 offers from schools ranging in the Power 5 conferences. He has yet to compile any offers on the hardwood but claims he would be open to the opportunity of playing both sports at the next level.
Kobe Section:
With the passing of Kobe Bryant, I’ll be making this segment an opportunity for the players to get what Kobe meant to them. Personally, Kobe was my Michael Jordan considering the age that I grew up watching basketball.
“I know everybody saw Kobe as a great basketball player, but I mean we all know he was a great man and a great father,” Moore said. “It’s sad to see what happened to him and I guess it just shows how life is so precious and you never know when your time is going to be, so you have to cherish every moment. For basketball, I just loved his mentality. It was a killer mindset. No one could guard him, and nobody could stop him. That’s why he was so great.”