Igor and Shack have been selected to participate in the NBA G League Elite Camp, showcasing their skills to scouts.

The path to professional basketball is rarely linear, and for many college athletes, it winds through a series of proving grounds before culminating in a shot at the NBA. For Tennessee basketball standouts Igor Milicic Jr. and Shaquille “Shack” Moore, that next step has arrived in the form of a golden opportunity: selection to the NBA G League Elite Camp.

This prestigious event, held annually, brings together top draft-eligible prospects and standout college players from across the nation. Participants are given a platform to showcase their skills in front of NBA scouts, G League executives, and team personnel. For Igor and Shack, it’s more than an invitation—it’s a validation of their hard work, a testament to their talent, and a potential gateway to the next level.

Both players have carved unique paths to reach this moment, bringing different strengths to the court and different stories off of it. Now, united by a shared opportunity, they aim to seize the spotlight and make an impression that could change their basketball careers forever.

The NBA G League Elite Camp: A Stepping Stone to the League

Before diving into the individual journeys of Milicic and Moore, it’s important to understand the significance of the NBA G League Elite Camp. Held in the days leading up to the NBA Draft Combine, the Elite Camp serves as a pipeline for fringe draft prospects who are looking to solidify their status or earn an invite to the Combine.

The event consists of skill drills, shooting competitions, scrimmages, and interviews with team executives. Scouts use the camp to evaluate players’ physical attributes, intangibles, and ability to contribute at the professional level. Many participants in the past—such as Jose Alvarado, Duncan Robinson, and Max Strus—used the event as a launching pad to NBA careers.

For Milicic and Moore, the camp is both a reward for their collegiate excellence and a challenge to prove they belong in the league’s next generation of talent.

Igor Milicic Jr.: A Stretch Forward With Versatility and Vision

Igor Milicic Jr. is a name that has steadily climbed into NBA circles, thanks to his international experience, size, and modern skill set. At 6’10”, Milicic combines length with mobility, and what truly sets him apart is his shooting touch and basketball IQ.

Born in Poland and raised in a basketball-centric family—his father, Igor Milicic Sr., is a prominent European coach—Milicic Jr. brought a unique blend of European polish and American toughness to Tennessee. After transferring from Virginia, he found a rhythm with the Volunteers, growing more confident in his role as a stretch forward who could defend, rebound, and hit perimeter shots.

Milicic’s value lies in his versatility. He can guard multiple positions, switch on defense, and space the floor offensively. His ability to read the game, make the extra pass, and play unselfishly makes him a coach’s dream and a prospect whose skill set fits the evolving style of modern professional basketball.

At the G League Elite Camp, Milicic has the opportunity to demonstrate not only his shooting ability and mobility, but also his maturity, communication, and poise. In a setting where coaches and scouts are watching intangibles as closely as stats, Igor’s calm presence and leadership could elevate his stock.

Shaquille “Shack” Moore: Defensive Intensity and Explosive Athleticism

Shack Moore, a dynamic guard with a relentless motor and high-flying athleticism, brings a different flavor to the Elite Camp. Known for his tenacious defense, quick first step, and fearless approach, Moore has made a name for himself as a two-way player capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

Moore’s college journey has taken him from NC State to Mississippi State, and finally to Tennessee, where he settled into a crucial role in the Volunteers’ rotation. At every stop, his identity has remained the same: a gritty, hard-nosed competitor who never backs down.

Standing at 6’1” but playing much bigger, Moore thrives in transition, hounds opposing guards, and consistently brings energy that lifts his team. What he may lack in traditional size for an NBA guard, he makes up for with elite athleticism and defensive instincts. Coaches love his effort, teammates love his toughness, and fans love the electricity he brings to every game.

The G League Elite Camp gives Moore a platform to show scouts that he can defend at a pro level, make plays under pressure, and continue to develop as a floor general. His energy is contagious, and in a short, high-intensity environment like the camp, that edge can help him stand out.

Preparation Meets Opportunity

Both Milicic and Moore understand the stakes. The G League Elite Camp isn’t just another showcase—it’s an audition for their professional futures. Each brings a unique skill set to the table, and each knows what he must prove.

For Milicic, this is a chance to show he can compete with more athletic bigs while maintaining his shooting efficiency and decision-making. Scouts will be closely monitoring his ability to defend in space, switch on ball screens, and rebound in traffic.

Moore, meanwhile, will look to impress with his on-ball defense, court awareness, and finishing ability. If he can knock down open shots and run an efficient offense during scrimmages, his stock could rise significantly.

But beyond skills and stats, both players will be evaluated on body language, communication, adaptability, and how they respond to coaching—factors that often separate players who get a chance from those who don’t.

The Tennessee Basketball Pipeline

Their selection to the Elite Camp also reflects positively on the Tennessee basketball program under Coach Rick Barnes. In recent years, the Volunteers have produced multiple NBA and professional players, including Grant Williams, Keon Johnson, Jaden Springer, and Kennedy Chandler.

Barnes’ program emphasizes defense, unselfish play, and toughness—traits that translate well to the next level. Igor and Shack are products of that system, and their inclusion in the Elite Camp reinforces Tennessee’s growing reputation as a development powerhouse.

It also sends a message to future recruits: Tennessee is a place where hard work gets noticed, where growth is prioritized, and where opportunities to reach the next level are real.

Beyond the Combine: Paths to the NBA and Overseas

While the ultimate goal for many prospects is to earn an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, not receiving one is far from the end of the road. Many players from the G League Elite Camp go on to sign Exhibit 10 contracts, join Summer League rosters, or play in the NBA G League—one of the most legitimate paths to the NBA in today’s development landscape.

Others pursue professional opportunities overseas, where the level of competition is elite and the chance for long-term careers is very real. With his European roots and multilingual fluency, Milicic would be particularly well-positioned for a successful international career if that route becomes his next step.

Moore, too, could thrive in overseas leagues that value tough, explosive guards who can make an immediate impact. Yet both players will undoubtedly keep their sights set on the NBA, using every opportunity—like this camp—as a stepping stone toward that goal.

Reflections from Rocky Top

For Tennessee fans, seeing Igor and Shack earn this recognition is a proud moment. Both players gave everything to the program, embraced their roles, and represented the orange and white with pride.

Milicic’s journey from Europe to the SEC was one of adjustment, development, and perseverance. His growth over the season was a direct reflection of his work ethic and willingness to be coached.

Moore’s arrival brought an edge and intensity that energized fans and teammates alike. His passion for the game and fiery leadership became contagious, and his presence in the locker room will be missed just as much as his contributions on the court.

Now, as they step into the next phase of their basketball lives, they carry with them the lessons learned at Tennessee and the belief that they belong on the professional stage.

 Chasing the Dream

Being selected for the NBA G League Elite Camp is not the end—it’s the beginning. For Igor Milicic Jr. and Shack Moore, it’s the start of their most important audition yet, an opportunity to prove to the basketball world what Tennessee already knows: they have the talent, the work ethic, and the character to succeed at the next level.

As the camp unfolds, all eyes will be on these two Volunteers as they put their skills on display, hoping to earn that elusive invitation to the NBA Draft Combine—or at the very least, open the right doors to keep their professional dreams alive.

No matter the outcome, their journey to this point is a testament to their perseverance, their love for the game, and the program that helped prepare them. From Rocky Top to the pro ranks, Igor and Shack are chasing the dream—and they’re doing it the right way.