The Recruiting Guy

Basketball Hogs offer 3 in-state sophomores

West Memphis forward Chris Moore (2) drives to the basket during the Boys 6A Basketball Championship Game against Jonesboro at Bank of the Ozarks Arena in Hot Springs on Saturday, March 10, 2018.

Arkansas Razorback basketball Coach Mike Anderson extended offers to three in-state sophomores, forward Chris Moore, Jacksonville Lighthouse guard Davonte Davis and Jacksonville guard Gerald Doakes on Thursday.

North Little Rock guard Moses Moody was the first in-state sophomore to receive an offer from the Razorbacks last summer.

Moore, 6-6, 210 pounds, of West Memphis also has offers from Memphis, SMU, TCU, Southern Miss, Abilene Christian and Murray State, along with interest from Ole Miss, Houston and numerous others.

Davis, 6-4, 175 of Jacksonville Lighthouse also has offers from Southern Mississippi, Florida, SMU and Abilene Christian while Doakes, 6-1, 160 of Jacksonville has offers from Texas A&M, Florida, TCU, SMU and others.

All three are playing for the Arkansas-based 16-under Woodz Elite in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball Youth League this spring and summer.

Moore’s relentless effort and skill level helped him be named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Preps Boys Sophomore of the Year after averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds while leading the Blue Devils to a 29-4 record and Class 6A state runner-up. He shot 72 percent from the field and 62 percent from the free-throw line.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Moore of the offer. “They're one of my favorite colleges I love the coaching staff. They’re great group of guys.”

Davis, who averaged 28 points,10 rebounds and 10 assists for Lighthouse the past season, is an excellent ball handler and driver to the basket while also having the ability to hit the outside jumper.

He along with Moore and Doakes visited the Hogs for the TCU football game in the fall.

“It’s exciting because I was waiting on it because we all went on the visit there,” Davis said. “I was very excited.”

The offer puts the Hogs in a good spot for Davis.

“They’re definitely one of my top schools,” he said.

Doakes is an explosive playmaker with an uncanny ability to hit a crucial basket. He averaged

22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists as a sophomore.

“My reaction was overwhelming,” said Doakes of his Razorback offer. “I was happy to receive the offer from Arkansas. It’s just a blessing to receive it.”

He explained his overwhelming emotions to the offer.

“I’m from Arkansas and now I have a chance to represent my state,” Doakes said.

Doakes’ mother is a big Razorback fan.

“She was happy too,” he said. “She watches the Hogs. She told me to just keep working and stay focused on school.”

All three had an outstanding showings at the Pangos All-South camp for freshmen and sophomores in Dallas during the fall and made the top 30 of the camp that feature 208 of the best players from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Tennessee.

PlayHoops.com rated Moore the No. 3 performer at the camp.

Moore, who has an uncle that's 7-3, is projected to grow 4 inches to 6-10,. He's excited the trio have the chance to play together in college.

“That was one of the best feelings,” Moore said. “I’m pretty sure we’re going to share this moment tonight.”

Arkansas associate head coach Melvin Watkins leads the Hogs' recruiting efforts for Moore, Davis and Doakes.