Recruiters circle Grant’s Moser

On College Hoops

By jason vondersmith

The Portland Tribune, Oct 30, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Grant forward Michael Moser had signed on at Arizona, but with the resignation of Wildcat coach Lute Olson, he’s getting looks from 15 schools, including UCLA and Oregon State.

JONATHAN HOUSE / TRIBUNE PHOTO

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Grant High’s Mike Moser says it’s good and bad that he plans to go through the recruiting process during the school year and basketball season, rather than sign in November.

“It’s a little distraction during the season, with schools calling and coming in,” he says. “But it’ll be good. I can review my options.”

With Lute Olson resigning at Arizona, Moser backed out of his commitment with the Wildcats. In the next few days, Moser says about 15 schools contacted him – the likes of UCLA, Louisville, Oregon State, Syracuse, Tennessee, Washington and Kentucky.

In a testament to some momentum created by coach Craig Robinson at Oregon State, Moser plans to look seriously at signing with the Beavers. He plans an unofficial visit to Corvallis next week, in part to watch the Beavers practice and “see what it’s like there now,” he says.

“The Beavers are on my list, and they’re probably one of the top schools on my list,” Moser says. “I’ve taken a liking to them a little bit. The coaching staff is great.” Then again, the 6-7 forward also puts UCLA as high on his list.

He considers the Ducks, but says “I’m not sure.”

Louisville, Oregon, UCLA and USC had planned to watch him work out this week.

Moser says he’ll still consider signing with Arizona, depending on who the Wildcats hire as their new coach. He’ll probably visit four schools, having already visited Arizona.

Moser plans to sign in the spring, and he doesn’t worry about scholarship opportunities that may pass him by after the November signing period.

“It’s definitely an exciting time, crazy, hectic,” he says. “But I’m just going to enjoy it.”

His AAU coach, Kumbeno Memory, says Moser was “shocked” at Olson’s resignation.

“(Recruiting) was behind him, and he was spending time on his individual game,” Memory says.

Moser continues to work on his shooting and becoming stronger and quicker. He’s kind of an unorthodox player, but Memory says Moser has gained more control of his body on the court.

“I’ve seen him do things that don’t look humanly possible, as far as contorting his body,” Memory says. “He has a high basketball IQ; he’s not just a guy who can run and jump. He’s becoming more in control of nearly everything he does; before it was his talent and athleticism (that stood out). He’s manipulating and making stuff happen.

“He’s a unique kid. He spends more time on his game than some of the best players I’ve worked with. He’s a total gym rat.”

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