NBA Comparison: Mike Moser

Strengths: Strong, compact build (6’6”, 219 lbs) should allow him to handle NBA physicality … Rebounded the ball well to close his single season of college play, averaging 7.9 per game over the final 8 games despite playing next to the NCAA’s leading rebounder … Good explosiveness. Solid leaper who finishes well on the break … Recorded a 37 inch max vertical at the NBA Draft Combine … Excels at crashing the boards from the perimeter. Makes good cuts on offense that can allow him to get easy looks if playing next to a quality playmaker … Has a compact, consistent shot release that if honed, could develop into a threat – especially from the corners where many of his college attempts came from … Can finish strong on straight line drives to the rim. Will run the court in transition looking to get easy baskets. Can use his size and strength to bully smaller defenders around the paint …

Weaknesses: Has no real concept of what he is as a player and what his limitations are – played a small ball four in college, but seems to believe he is more of a wing player. .. Extremely loose handle with no creation skill … Has very little wiggle to his game – isn’t going to go around anybody with the ball in his hand. Lacks offensive versatility, practically all of his offense came right at the rim or from three – nothing in between … Shot only 30.5% from three in college on 1.7 attempts per game. Most of his offense was the result of a teammate setting him up or from him getting an offensive rebound and putback. His slow, two footed gathers when attacking the rim will allow NBA level players enough time to recover and contest his looks at the rim. Has essentially two moves when driving to the rim, a weak euro step without mush side to side movement and trying to drive right through defenders which could lead to offensive fouls. Rarely gets to the free throw line (1.6 attempts per game). Ball tends to stick in his hands on offense and he doesn’t create looks for others (lowest assist rate on team amongst players with 200 minutes). Lacks lateral quickness to defend wing players at the next level … He’s an explosive athlete, but seems to lack ideal coordination and smoothness/flexibility in his movements …

Outlook: Livingston is a player with a lot of physical tools, but is likely entering the draft before he’s ready … Despite being a highly regarded high school prospect, he seemed to peak at 16 years of age … He showed very little production in college (6.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, .7 assists, .4 blocks, .4 steals, on 42.9% shooting) and doesn’t have the dominant physical prowess to overcome that … He had the 8th slowest lane agility time at the combine, and didn’t flash in the other athletic testing … At the combine he measured in with a 6’11.5” wingspan, but at Kentucky’s Pro Day he measured 6’8”, so the length of his arms is a question … If an NBA team takes him, they are banking on his potential, as he’s young and has the type of body teams love for their wings. However, the mix of skills and athleticism just aren’t there yet … He’s at his best when he can just react and play off of playmaking teammates, but ultimately, he’s currently the type of player that NBA teams bring in one ten day contracts, not in the first round of the draft. If he gets selected, look for him to spend a lot of time in the G-League …

Notes: Measured 6′ 6.00” barefoot,  8′ 8.50” standing reach, 219.2 lbs and a 6′ 11.25” wingspan with a 37 inch max vert at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine …

Eric Yearian 6/2/23

Strengths: 6’7 wing … Good length with a 6’10 wingspan … Strong frame that has been filled out throughout high school … Explosive athlete with fluid movements. Quick first step and aggressive slasher. Can be hard to stop in transition. Initiates contact and draws fouls at a solid rate … Provides a scoring mentality. Although efficiency can improve, he’s a safe bet to fill up the scoring column … Shooting range extends to the NBA 3PT line. Can shoot off the dribble with good elevation and arc. Gets his shot off with a little bit of space … Shows ability and willingness to post up smaller defenders and utilized the mismatch … Unselfish with solid passing ability, knows where his open shooters are. Doesn’t hunt for his scoring … Good rebounder for position. Rebounding stats: 8 RPG U16 Americas Championship 2019, 8.4 RPG adidas 3SSB 2021, 6.5 RPG NIBC 2021-22 … Good tools, versatility, and physicality as a defender. Solid shot blocker for position …

Weaknesses: Can improve shooting consistency and efficiency, also as a finisher at the rim. Scoring stats: 14.8 PPG 46.2% FG% U16 Americas Championship 2019, 21.2 PPG 41.6% FG% 3SSB 2021, 14 PPG 46.8% FG% NIBC 2021-22 … Settles for deep 3s at times and more of a streaky shooter than knock down. 3PT Shooting: 23.5% 3PT% 3.4 3PTA U16 Americas Championship 2019, 28.6% 3PT% adidas 3SSB 2021, 29.3% 3PT% 4.1 3PTA NIBC 2021-22 … Can improve as a ball-handler as he needs triple-threat to get to the rim. Doesn’t have a lot of creativity or wiggle off the dribble … Can add more to his scoring arsenal, especially in the half-court, if that’s going to be his identity at the next levels … Needs a more consistent motor as he can be content spotting up or standing at the elbow and watching the action. Can show more commitment defensively … Favors going right on his drives … Can grow as a leader …

Outlook: Incoming Kentucky freshman … Transferred to Oak Hill Academy for his senior year … Recorded 13 points (5-9 FG, 2-4 3PT), 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in the 2022 McDonald’s All-American … Recorded 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals in the 2022 Jordan Brand Classic … 2021 Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year … 2022 Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year … 2022 Naismith All-American 2nd Team … Won MVP and Gold at the U16 Americas Championship in 2019 …

Evan Tomes 7/24/22