Ex-NFL Star Willis McGahee -- HUUUGE CRUSH ... On WNBA Star

Willis McGahee's a man who knows what he likes ... and he REALLLYY likes WNBA star Maya Moore.

The former NFL running back was hosting a charity event at Couture nightclub in Hollywood Thursday night when he told us he's got a big crush on the 25-year-old basketball phenom.

By the way, he's not the only huge sports star infatuated with Moore -- DeMarcus Cousins had a thing for her back in the day ... but Maya shot him down.

Willis hopes he stands a better chance ... even delivering a personal message for her.

Good luck.