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Arizona gains commitment from highly touted recruit
When Mike Moser is not rocketing up the list of West Coast basketball recruits, he works the register at Rose's Homemade Ice Cream, a restaurant his mom co-owns in Portland, Ore.
News of his Tuesday afternoon verbal commitment must have sounded just as sweet to Arizona Wildcats coaches.
Moser, a small forward who averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds last year to lead Portland's Grant High School to its first state title in 20 years, committed to play for the UA starting in 2009.
The 6-foot-7-inch, 200-pounder is listed as Rivals.com's 17th-best small forward for the 2009 class and 85th overall.
"It was the best fit for me," he said. "I really liked the coaching staff and Lute Olson's ability to develop players."
Moser joins California forward Greg Smith as the UA's two 2009 verbal commitments.
In late May, Tacoma (Wash.) Bellarmine Prep point guard Abdul Gaddy opted out of his 2009 commitment, citing changes in the Wildcats' coaching staff.
Moser is friends with Gaddy and another highly recruited Bellarmine Prep guard, Avery Bradley.
Moser, 17, said he has recruited his friends to join him in Tucson. He said the trio has dreamed of playing at the same college, and added Gaddy has told him the UA is still near the top of his list.
"We've been like brothers since we've been little," he said. "I know at the same time, though, that all three of us plan on doing the best thing for us individually."
Moser plays on AAU's I-5 Elite, started and supported by San Antonio Spurs player Ime Udoka. Udoka chose Moser first when he started the team.
"He could definitely see the potential in him," said Kumbeno Memory, head coach of I-5 Elite and Moser's personal trainer. "He takes an extreme interest and wants to see him realize his goals and dreams."
Moser stood out in Tucson's Cactus Classic in May, and Russ Pennell told him of a scholarship offer on his first day as a Wildcats assistant.
"I definitely think I woke a few people up," he said.
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