Wake Forest Coach Danny Manning and staff are looking to wrap up their 2015 recruiting this weekend with key official visitors Doral Moore and John Collins. BSD takes a look at the Deacs' chances and scouting report on each.
A couple weeks after gaining a verbal pledge from top tier point guard Bryant Crawford, Danny Manning is looking to continue to build recruiting momentum by hosting two prominent 2015 big men this weekend. Although the scholarship situation is a bit foggy, speculation is that Wake Forest would take both players if given the opportunity in the near future. Without further ado, let's take a look at the two players as well as who the competition may be for these two difference makers.
John Collins - 6'9" 230lb - West Palm Beach, Florida
Collins had a very impressive summer on the AAU circuit which earned him offers from several big names as seen in the list above. Collins is a traditional post player in the mold of current Deacon Devin Thomas that doesn't float around the perimeter like many bigs today. He does his best work with his back to the basket, finishing with baby hooks with either hand. The big man from Florida is also an excellent rebounder and finisher above the rim.
The general thought among recruiting analysts right now is that Collins is a Miami lean after taking an official visit there last weekend. He also currently has a visit set up to Memphis later in October. It will be interesting to see if the opinion shifts this weekend after his visit with noted big-man coach Danny Manning in Winston-Salem.
6'9 John Collins Dallas Mixtape!! [HD] (via Ryan Michael)
John M Collins #136 - Highlights from Source Hoops/Hoop Exchange Showcase!!! (via Hoop Brothers)
Doral Moore - 7'0" 225lb - Locust Grove, Georgia (HS at Monteverde in FL)
Ratings
247: 4* - #49 Overall - #9 C
Scout: 4* - #76 Overall - #18 C
Rivals: 4* - #48 Overall
ESPN: 4* - #60 Overall - #11 C
Offers
Moore's top 5 list: Kentucky, Illinois, Wake Forest, Ohio State, Florida
Analysis
Doral Moore was Danny Manning's top 2015 target this summer on the AAU trail. Manning was seemingly at every tournament where Moore's team played and it has paid off for the Deacs as Moore decided to officially visit Wake Forest this weekend. As you can see in the videos below, Moore is an extremely athletic seven footer who plays well above the rim and uses his length to be a factor on the defensive end as well. He can step out and knock down the mid-range jumper at times, but that's not his calling card. The name of the game with Doral Moore right now is potential. He has an incredible ceiling and, with the right mindset and coaching, this potential could lead to significant production for a college program in short order. While he can use his physical gifts to influence a game currently, at the next level he will need to further develop his post moves and strength.
Moore's recruitment has been a bit strange, as both of his previously scheduled visits to Kentucky and Illinois have been cancelled just before the set dates. Assuming he makes it to Winston-Salem this weekend, it will be his first official visit. While 247's Crystal Ball currently has him favored to go to Kentucky, the tide has seemingly turned in the past week and Wake is gaining momentum. Kentucky seems to be focused on other top tier bigs, which may be the reason why Moore hasn't yet made it to Lexington. If Danny Manning and staff are able to make a big impression this weekend, Kentucky's slow-play may be Wake's gain.
Doral Moore New Mixtape @ NBA Top 100 Camp (via Courtside Films)
Check back with BSD in the coming weeks to find out if we'll see either of these targets in the Old Gold and Black next year. Basketball season is just around the corner!
