By CHARLIE PARENT & ADAM ZAGORIA
Darien ‘PayDay’ Moore, a four-star sophomore guard out of Catholic Central (NY.), has committed to Seton Hall, he announced on X Tuesday.
The 6-foot-3, 186-pound Moore is regarded as one of the top talents north of New York City and best scorers in the state. He chose the Pirates over Siena, Fairfield, UMass, Bryant and hometown program Albany.
“I chose Seton Hall because I’ve always loved the Big East conference and getting to meet Coach [Shaheen] Holloway and the Seton Hall coaching staff was a blessing and it felt like home,” he told ZAGSBLOG after posting 41 points in a game Tuesday night.
“Also watching the game I predict myself playing out there and playing for a great coach like Coach Holloway. It just felt like something my family and I wanted for my future and being around a guy like that would be the best for me.”
Moore is the first commit in Seton Hall’s class of 2026. The team has five offers out for point guards and get one of their guys early in the cycle. The Pirates have also been in for in-state five-stars Chidi Nwigwe and Jayden Hodge. Bergeron Catholic wing Julius Avent has received an offer from the Pirates as well.
“The skill set I can bring to the table is working hard and getting the job done, trying my hardest and doing anything to win,” he told ZAGSBLOG. “Also, I’ll be bringing my defense because I take pride in defensive energy and want to make defensive plays.I will also be a good floor general and a leader and finding my role in the offense and having fun out there and working hard.”
— Payday.5 (@Payday__5) February 6, 2024“Talented, versatile gritty guard [who] comes from Jim Hart’s City Rocks program,” one Division 1 head coach familiar with [Moore’s] game told ZAGSBLOG, adding that he thinks Moore can reclassify up to 2025. “He is built to be an impactful Big East guard. Kid lives in the gym. Good early get [who] will be a name this summer [on the summer circuit].” Moore also plans to help Seton Hal recruit going forward. “I would definitely try to recruit some of my AAU teammates and have them come join the Hall and be part of the family,” he said. Follow Charlie on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on Facebook
