As the Cats chase March glory in Lexington, we are tracking which Kentucky basketball players could see a massive pay increase next season. I know some of you reading this hate that NIL is a thing, but it is not going anywhere. By ignoring it, we are just feeding the problem. It is what it is, and for Kentucky basketball, it's a $22 million reality.
Here are three Wildcats who can change their tax bracket over the next four weeks.
The hometown hero: Malachi Moreno
Up first is definitely Malachi Moreno. The Georgetown native has risen to the challenge each time it has been presented this season, averaging 8.4 points and 6.6 rebounds. He is getting stronger, his rim protection is getting better, and his touch is getting softer.
If Moreno explodes in March and leads Kentucky to a deep run, he becomes one of the faces of the program for 2026-2027. That could mean a huge pay increase to stay in Lexington, or it might just punch his ticket as a first-round NBA Draft pick. Either way, Malachi is playing for a lot more than just a seed.
The sharpshooter: Collin Chandler
We all know Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen are graduating, which opens up the leading scorer position for next year. Collin Chandler is already auditioning for the role. Over the last two weeks, his numbers have been unheard of:
- FG%: 57.1%
- 3P%: 53.6%
- PPG: 15.0
- APG: 2.0
That kind of shooting coming down the stretch is what legends, and now massive NIL deals, are made of. If Chandler maintains this efficiency through the month of March, he will be one of the highest-paid guards in the country next season, whether that’s here or elsewhere.
The wildcard: Jasper Johnson
This next one is a little interesting: Jasper Johnson. The five-star freshman has struggled at times this year with turnovers and the physicality of the SEC. However, he has recently started picking up more minutes and could be huge, spelling Denzel Aberdeen at the point.
Johnson’s ceiling is as high as anyone's on the roster. If he can use March to prove he has adjusted to the college game, these next four weeks will be massive for his wallet heading into his sophomore campaign.
I know NIL isn't BBN's favorite topic, but it matters. In today's game, the teams that win in March are the ones that can afford to keep their stars in April.