Rivals150 PF visits Auburn, decision date set
AUBURN | One of the top recruits in the 2020 class was in Auburn this weekend on an official visit and is now days away from announcing his college choice.
Rivals150 forward Chris Moore, a four-star recruit from West Memphis (Ark.), will choose between Auburn, Arkansas and Memphis on Nov. 15.
“Right now that’s my set date,” Moore said.
Moore’s visit to Auburn this weekend was his final visit before his announcement. Moore, his mother, brother and other family members arrived in Auburn Friday afternoon and stayed until Sunday morning.
“It went well,” Moore said. “I got to hang out with some great players, some great players that I looked up to playing on the (AAU) circuit and in high school. Allen (Flanigan), that’s my guy. We come from the same area and I grew up playing against him. And the atmosphere and the welcoming Auburn showed was outstanding.”
Moore, who is listed at 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds, attended Auburn’s exhibition game Friday night against Eckerd, a game the Tigers won 97-53.
“The game, even though it was an exhibition, you saw an almost soldout arena,” Moore said. “There was a lot of energy, and the way they play fits my style.”
Moore met extensively during the weekend with Auburn coach Bruce Pearl. Pearl is a big reason Moore has high interest in Auburn.
“Bruce Pearl is a down-to-earth guy, an energy guy,” Moore said. “He treats you like family. Sometimes when you go to a college, you feel like a player, but Bruce Pearl is different. You feel like part of a family. That’s something that really intrigues me about him.”
Moore also spent a lot of time with Wes Flanigan, whom he’s developed a close relationship with over the past few years.
“I call him ‘Unc’ because he’s old school,” Moore said. “He’s known me for a little while now. He’s a great guy, an old-school guy and is down to earth. He checks on me all the time.”
Moore was one of two official visitors in Auburn. Jaylin Williams, a four-star center from Arkansas, also was on campus. The two are close friends and considering attending the same college.
“In the summer, me and Jaylin played against each other in a calm way and instantly started clicking,” Moore said. “We started texting and became brothers. I’m pretty sure me and him will be at the same college. It’s not for sure, but right now that’s what it’s looking like.”
Williams’ top three includes Auburn, Arkansas and Texas A&M. Moore’s is Auburn, Arkansas and Memphis. Williams is not in a rush to make a decision. Neither is Moore, although he feels like he’ll be ready in two weeks.
“Everybody is even,” Moore said. “We still have a breakdown to do, but Auburn is a great school. I’m just looking for somebody who is going to get the best out of me every day and not let me settle for nothing less.”
Rivals ranks Moore No. 100 in the Rivals150 and the No. 21 power forward in the 2020 class.
