What a weekend it was at the PHL Finals, as the talent was deep and the competition was off the charts. Phenom Hoops had a chance to watch a lot of excellent battles, as players stepped up in a big way to help secure a championship from a busy summer. One player that was the talk of the event was 2028 6’6 CJ Moore, who was playing up for the Upward Stars Columbia 16u team and took home MVP honors from the event. Our scouts, Patrick O’Brien and Jeff Bendel, had this to say after his performance:
“Moore, who was one of the youngest prospects at the event, gave us another reason why he is going to be a name you hear a lot in the coming years down in South Carolina. At 6’6, Moore demonstrates that he can be a factor in several areas of the court, whether it is being a strong finisher around the basket or his expanded game from the perimeter. He truly has continued to add more to his arsenal, making him a more complete player and one that college coaches will want to learn more about in the coming years. And there is still potential and intrigue with how it may ultimately turn out, considering his development and how much more he may grow. Moore, though, was a true weapon throughout the tournament, eventually taking home MVP honors.”
“The Upward Stars Columbia roster featured a ton of talent, and Moore continually managed to stand out as a leader despite being one of the youngest players on the team. He’s always possessed favorable physical tools with his incredible length, fluidity, athleticism, and positional size. However, it’s clear that Moore is making strides within his progression. The development of his creation abilities and perimeter shooting are highly encouraging. Moore will need to continue improving in these areas, but the growth is undeniable. Add in his physicality and general involvement as a defender and rebounder, and there’s a lot to like. Moore has the tools to be a highly coveted prospect.”
Moore, who is a young prospect for his class, brings a lot of intrigue with his growth and development, along with his 6’6 frame. He presents versatility and impact in several areas, showing comfort from multiple levels as well as overall growth and development. Early on, Moore was able to find success in operating well around the basket, showcasing his advantages against players and being an effective option around the basket. But Moore continues to show flashes and improvement in operating form other areas, stretching the court, and being a threat from the perimeter as well as a creator with the ball in his hands. With what he has shown, his interest and impact should only continue to grow this upcoming high school season.
As we wrap up the summer and shift our eyes toward the fall, it’s clear that Moore is a name to keep a close watch on. His performance at the PHL Finals was not only impressive but a strong statement that he’s trending toward becoming one of the premier players in the 2028 class—both regionally and potentially nationally; Moore is laying the foundation for a bright future. College coaches and national scouts would be wise to keep him firmly on their radar, because this is only the beginning of what looks to be a special journey for the 6’6 prospect out of South Carolina.