Mike Moser | Oregon (via UNLV via UCLA) | Senior, 22 years old
6-8, 210
Last season (21.3 MPG): 7.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 14 PER
Per 40 Minutes Pace Adjusted: 12.7 PPG, 10.8 RPG
Breakdown:
After previous stints at UCLA and UNLV, Mike Moser enters Oregon as a fifth-year senior with a lot to prove. Moser had a great 2011-’12 campaign at UNLV, and after deciding to return to school, he suffered a dislocated elbow early last season that at the moment seems to have derailed his NBA plans.
Moser’s best skill is rebounding, as he uses his length and explosiveness to collect boards from all over the court. He can also shoot the ball semi-consistently. But he’s very skinny, and doesn’t have much of an offensive repertoire. Is Moser still—and does he have enough to be—a legitimate NBA prospect? Let’s take a look at some film:
FINISHING AROUND THE RIM
Moser has exceptional athleticism and strong hands to finish around the rim, both in the half court and transition. He can track down the ball in transition, and can rise for a dunk when set up in the half court. Although he’s not particularly skilled, he shot a solid 54.5% around the basket last season, lending credence to his potential in that area.
REBOUNDING
Moser’s calling card has always been rebounding. He 23.4% defensive rebounding percentage last season ranked 65th in the country, and he was 9th in defensive rebounding percentage during his “breakout” season two years ago.
PICK-AND-POP, SHOOTING
46.3% of Moser’s shot attempts last season were of the jumpshot variety. As seen in the clip above (apologies for the excessive “slow motion”), Moser has range on his jumpshot when given space. He’s agile enough to set wide screens and quickly pop out for a jumpshot, or to roll hard to the basket. If Moser has an NBA future, his jumpshot will play an integral role. He’s not a 3-point shooter, but Moser can knock it down from 17-feet.
DEFENSE
Moser’s 0.582 PPP defending jumpshots ranked in the 93rd percentile, as he has the length and athleticism to alter shots in his vicinity. However, because he is so frail, opposing bigs can easily back him down and bully him. His 1 PPP allowed on Post-Ups ranked in the bottom quarter of all college players, and this problem has followed him throughout his college career.
OVERALL
Nobody questions Moser’s athleticism and rebounding ability. But many have questions about his skinny frame, his lack of traditional post moves, how he’ll fit at Oregon and, frankly, what upside he has left. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, Moser has one last chance to prove himself.