‘Original’ Moore Making Most of Migration

Ron Bailey, Publisher

June 11, 2007 – For the better part of the three years, junior guard Kevon Moore has been known as a scorer extraordinaire, capable of hitting long jumpers, electrifying the crowd on breaks with fancy moves, getting to the rim, and putting it down on defenders heads if given the chance. Add improving point guard focus to the left handed, 6’2”, 180 pounder’s skill set, as well as a Virginia, George Mason, and St. Joseph’s to his favorite school list.

“I’m still listening to all the schools” said Moore at the recent Reebok Headliner Camp, though the aforementioned three are leading the pack. Kevon, who would not only be invited to the upcoming, prestigious Reebok U event for his play, but also make i95Ballerz.com’s all-camp team, went on to share Mason and St. Joes have already offered, he is planning on attending elite camps at both UVA and Mason soon, and “will make the decision before the start of next season”. From a basketball standpoint, Moore’s college home will provide an “up tempo” style, and an “an opportunity to play”.

A realist, Moore knows to maximize his potential in Division I ball, means at the very least switching to a true combo guard, and preferably becoming a full time point man. That re-orientation is in full swing, and was not only visible during the Headliner Camp, but has also been on display with his travel team home, Triple Threat. Said Kevon of his noticeably improved point guard play, “I’m moving to the one (point guard), I have to get my teammates involved”, before recognizing he’s still working hard at the conversion, by stating “I’m trying to get everybody involved”.

From a physical standpoint, Kevon’s dribbling ability has improved, which it should, as he admitted “I’ve been working on that”. He also regularly finds teammates in half court, fast break, and scatter court situations, forgoing his own shot to feed others.

Expect the ‘point guard-ization’ of Moore to continue next season, for he is scheduled to transfer from Archbishop Spaulding (MD) - where averages of around 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists during an injury-filled junior campaign were earned - to Montrose Christian (MD), for his senior year.

Kevon, shown here dunking last summer, has gained around 10 pounds, while embracing the point guard position. Those skills will be enhanced next school year, as a senior at Montrose Christian. Expect his development to mirror U. MD. bound Adrian Bowie's, who graduates from Montrose this season.

Why the transfer? Largely because of what Montrose has to offer in terms of development. “I had gone to one of their open gyms, and the improved workouts and weight training they do impressed me”, stated Kevon. “The program has a college atmosphere”, he continued, “Also (he’ll receive) the opportunity to play the one”.

Central to Kevon’s point guard migration is Triple Threat and its coaching staff, led by Keith Stevens. A longtime developer of talented players, Stevens is exacting of Moore. “He has to separated himself as a mid major or high major prospect this summer”, opined the man who has worked with high school, college, and pro players alike.

What’s Steven’s plan to effectuate that? “Kevon needs work on finishing with his right hand around the basket and defense”, in addition to becoming a better point guard, he stated. “We are giving him a lot of drills with the right hand, and running the one. Defense, we work on that everyday, and will start practicing three days during the week, and one during the weekend, when school is over”.

Moore greatly appreciates his opportunity to play and grow with Triple Threat, indicating “They back you all the way, and are getting us into the colleges we want”.

Add preparation for the constant turnover of a college team to the skill development, support, and exposure Kevon sees Triple Threat as providing. “When you go to college, you can’t be mad about good players coming to the program” alluded Moore to his travel team’s stacked guard rotation, something that he believes fosters improvement and reaching the ultimate the game’s ultimate goal. “It’s about winning”.

Stevens puts a premium on that mentality. “At the end of the day, you have to be able to play with good players…He has” praised Triple Threat’s head honcho. “We just don’t want one marquee player in the program. We want kids to buy into what we want to do. It’s his third year with Triple Threat (the duration of the organization’s existience). He and (Chris) Braswell are the last of the ‘originals’”.

Kevon’s experience within Triple Threat and competitive basketball period is obvious when watching him play; it’s fairly clear he has seen practically every situation before. His maturity and willingness to switch positions is allowing him to use that knowledge in a way that betters himself, and teammates.

Best believe, Moore will help the college lucky enough to land him. And in several years, after Kevon puts in his work, that institution’s coach will be praising the guard, calling him his ‘original’.