By NICK MEDLINE
Special to ZAGSBLOG
Matthew Moyer capped his dominant July with offers from Florida, Illinois and many more. All were the product of a new mindset.
“I didn’t play with a chip on my shoulder in spring,” Moyer told SNY.tv. “In July, I played with an attitude, tenacity and aggression that needs to be there 24/7.
The 2016 small forward and Columbus (OH) native found that translated to success. He began July at the Reebok Breakout Camp in Philadelphia wanting to “rip people’s heads off.”
Ranked No. 90 in the class of 2016 by Rivals.com, Moyer earned obvious attention from coaches, who could see his skill and athleticism. But with more strong performances, elite coaches kept watching.
“It was stacked with college coaches,” Moyer said. “Coaches by the likes of Syracuse and Florida came back. Illinois came back and watched me through the other two open periods.
Moyer wanted one thing: To prove himself. He considers himself a potential top-50 player, and with many new offers, could be destined for that spot in the future.
With his motor, effort and natural skill, Moyer picked up recent offers from Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Arizona State and several others. Add that to earlier ones like Wisconsin and Xavier.
“I really wanted to take advantage of this July,” Moyer said. “I’m not focused on the offer part but I’m pleased about my game. In spring, I got my name out there, and in July it just took off.
Still, Moyer focused on the idea of “nitpicking.” When you have that many offers, you need to decide what you value. For Moyer, in all sincerity, that figures to involve academics.
If the academics aren’t up to par, I’m not messing with it,” he said. “Everyone who goes to college, your aspirations are to go to the NBA. If that doesn’t work out, I want to finish my undergrad and get a good degree. Something that matters.”
After a long July, with several coaches calling, Moyer can focus on “fit and playing style.” He’ll hear from dozens of coaches. And after Moyer proved himself, they’ll have to prove themselves.
“I feel like I’m going to take a few visits here and there,” he said. “Whenever it hits me and my family that this is the place for me, and when I come to the consensus, it’s over.”
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