SJ Moore crosses over to Benilde after forgettable season at UST

SJ Moore crosses over to Benilde after forgettable season at UST

ANOTHER UAAP ace has decided to end a one-year run with his first team for greener pastures.

READ: Mason Amos makes shock Ateneo-to-La Salle transfer

From España to Taft, SJ Moore has cut his time at University of Sto. Tomas short to take his talents to College of St. Benilde (CSB) in the NCAA.

Team backers and sporting patron Strong Group Athletics confirmed the standout winger's move on Tuesday evening after an initial report on Moore's España exit from UST student publication The Varsitarian.

LOOK:

"The latest Blazer! Strong Group proudly welcomes SJ Moore as the newest recruit for the College of Saint Benilde! Let's go, Blazers."

sj moore, ust tigers, uaap

PHOTO: UAAP Season 86 Media Team

The high-flying 20-year-old had his claim to fame in high school with the Arellano Braves in the NCAA Season 98 boys' basketball tournament with stellar averages of 19 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks.

Such a strong NCAA showing paved the way for an even bigger breakthrough upon being hailed as the 15th-ranked high school player in the country in 2023 by the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC).

He would go on to play in the NBTC National Finals that year where he was feted as the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

sj moore, ust tigers, uaap

PHOTO: UAAP Season 86 Media Team

However, jumping ship to UST turned his young career upside-down and was held to roughly eight minutes of play per game with meager Season 86 rookie-year numbers of 2.4 points and 1.4 boards.

Bar a right leg injury sustained in his penultimate match for the Tigers, Moore will aim for a fresh start in Taft with a Blazers side eyeing for their second Finals appearance in three seasons to end a 24-year title drought.