NCAA Basketball: Analyzing NC State guard Shakeel Moore final 3 options

The NC State Wolfpack has been undergoing a complete roster change in the backcourt, having lost several guards. One of them was Shakeel Moore, a three-star point guard prospect in the 2020 NCAA Basketball recruiting class, who decided to enter the transfer portal.

Despite not expected to have much of a role as a freshman, Moore had a solid role off the bench this past season. In 25 games played (2 starts), the 6’1 playmaker averaged 6.8 ppg in 18.6 mpg, good for nearly 15 ppg per 40 minutes. He had five games of double-digit scoring, including a season-high 19 points against Boston College. Moore shot 44% from the field and 34% from three-point range.

Looking for potentially a larger role, Moore entered the portal, and with up to four years of eligibility left, became a very interesting prospect for D-I programs to consider. But now we know which programs are in play for the Greensboro, North Carolina native. Here’s a look at how he potentially fits with each option.

Creighton Bluejays

The Blujays lost junior guard Marcus Zegarowski to the pros this offseason and also suffered a blow with five-star point guard prospect TyTy Washington de-committing and going to Kentucky. They still have incoming top-100 point guard Ryan Nembhard coming in, along with rising junior guard Shareef Mitchell as depth.

They’re still looking for more guard depth and Moore can fit that at the traditional shooting guard spot. He and Nembhard could play together on the court, although that would be a small starting backcourt. But in terms of potential production based on what the current roster looks like, Moore can have a much larger role than he did at NC State.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Leading scorer and starting point guard DJ Stewart is officially off to the NBA Draft, leaving 6’3 guard Iverson Molinar and incoming three-star prospect Camryn Carter as the only ball-handlers on the current roster. The loss of former top-100 guard Devion Smith, who was in a similar spot as Moore, opens up a need for another capable guard to join the roster.

Adding Moore would give the Bulldogs a strong starting backcourt of he and Molinar for next season. And with transfers Garrison Brooks and DJ Jeffries bolstering the frontcourt, this team would have one of the strong starting lineups in the SEC for next season.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

With stars Taveion Hollingsworth and Charles Bassey now off to the pros, the Hilltoppers won’t be bringing back any double-digit scorers. But there will be some talent on board for next season, including starting point guard Dayvion McKnight and incoming top-50 freshman guard Zion Harmon. With Jordan Rawls transferring out, there’s room for a player like Moore coming in and adding to the depth chart.

But unless the team is going to play three small guards together (which can work in Conference USA), Moore may not even start for Western Kentucky, unless he can bump out either guard in the lineup. And will a player who experienced the ACC be willing to move down to the mid-major level when an SEC and Big East program is on the table? That may be tough for them to overcome in this recruitment.