Kentucky big man may play a big role in 2025
Malachi Moreno doesn’t arrive at Kentucky as just another recruit. He’s coming in as one of the most decorated in-state players in recent memory, and his résumé speaks for itself. As a senior at Great Crossing, the 7-foot center averaged 21.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, and 3.5 assists per game while leading the Warhawks to their first-ever Sweet 16 state championship. Those numbers earned him a spot in the McDonald’s All-American Game, Nike Hoop Summit, the Kentucky Boys All-Star roster, and an invite to Team USA’s U19 Training Camp.
It was at that camp where Mark Pope, coaching for Team USA, got a firsthand look at what Moreno could do against the best of the best. Pope came away with high praise, calling the big man “head-spinning good.”
“Malachi Moreno, I’ve seen him dominate eight feet and in — offensively and defensively — at the highest level of kids his age, in such an incredible way,” Pope told CBS’ Matt Norlander on the Eye on College Basketball podcast. “Coaching him at USA Basketball, it was unbelievable to watch his domination in that space. And he’s incredibly mobile.”
That mobility is part of what makes Moreno so intriguing. He’s not just a rim protector. He can rebound, pass, and run the floor in a way that fits Pope’s read-and-react offense. Moreno isn’t a finished product, but his skill set already has the staff envisioning him as a player who can contribute early and often.
Moreno, for his part, is focused on team success. “I’ve got one goal and one goal only, and that’s to win number nine,” he said. “Whether I play five minutes or 25 minutes, as long as we’re winning, I couldn’t care less.”
That attitude will make him a fan favorite in Lexington. Kentucky needs players willing to sacrifice individual stats for the greater good, and Moreno seems eager to fill that role. Combine that with his size and instincts, and you’ve got a freshman who could swing games in March.
For Pope, Moreno represents both the present and the future. He’s a program cornerstone in the making, but one who may be ready to impact winning from day one.