From Simeon reserve to the Big Ten.
That jump just about sums up the ascension of Isaiah Moss, the 6-5 senior wing who put together a solid spring and an even better July on the club circuit after playing a role off the Simeon bench as a junior.
As a result, the Moss stock soared. He became a top 10 prospect in Illinois in the Class of 2015 and high-majors came knocking on his door.
Moss, who sported offers from DePaul, Auburn, Pitt, Iowa State and others, ended his recruitment Sunday with a commitment to Iowa and coach Fran McCaffery while on his visit.
“It’s really unbelievable and a blessing,” Moss said of his journey from where he was six months ago to where he is now. “To think back to six months ago? I never would have thought I would have this type of opportunity. It just goes to show how hard work pays off.”
Moss remembered the first high-major school that showed interest in him: Iowa. That dates back to when he was a sophomore at Lincoln-Way East, prior to his transfer to Simeon before his junior year.
“They were the first school that recruited me,” says Moss of the Iowa staff.
After listening to recruiting pitches and officially visiting both Rhode Island and DePaul, Moss headed to Iowa this weekend for an official visit.
“Everything felt right, and I felt comfortable,” said Moss from an Iowa City restaurant as he finished up his official visit Sunday night. “It felt right and comfortable with the guys on the team, with the coaching staff, and I like their style and system. They want to get up and down.”
Moss played a small role off the bench for Simeon a year ago, but he will be a prominent fixture for a team that is ranked No. 12 in the country in the preseason by USA Today. He’s an athletic, versatile wing who has become more assertive and confident, both in attacking the basket and with his perimeter jumper.
“I worked hard to get where I am now, but I haven’t accomplished anything yet,” says Moss. “The hard work is just beginning.”
Moss becomes the second Chicago area prospect in the Class of 2015 to commit to Iowa, along with De La Salle’s Brandon Hutton.
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