Mike Moser's Role
One of last season's biggest breakthroughs was UNLV's Mike Moser. The former-UCLA Bruin averaged less than 5 minutes per game in the then-Pac-10, but started for the Rebels in 2011-12 and began the season with a bang: 16 points, 20 rebounds in the opener.
This season, scouts are eyeing the 6'8" lanky forward to go anywhere from the late-lottery to the early-second round depending on several factors. At just 210 pounds, Moser plays more of a hybrid power forward than small forward, which was occupied last season by the now-departed Chace Stanback. But with top-ten recruit Anthony Bennett signing on and Khem Birch becoming eligible after 10 games, Moser will find most of his time playing away from the basket; he managed to shoot .331 percent from 3-point range last year, beginning the year 0-10 before finally connecting on his stroke. While he steadily improved from the perimeter, Moser still found ways to disappear from stretches of action- averaging 10.2 points in UNLV's losses compared to 15.3 points in their 26 wins. Consistency is key.
But if he can successfully make the transition to a perimeter-oriented forward, he brings a tremendous transferrable skill to the NBA- rebounding. Moser was 10th in the nation last season with 10.5 boards per contest. He demonstrates great size, length and ability for a small forward, now, if he can just start to piece it all together.
By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 8- 7 - 12
