Mark Pope noted in a video to the Big Blue Nation just a few weeks ago that retaining Malachi Moreno was the staff's top priority this offseason. Getting him to sign with Kentucky was one thing, but retaining him through the NBA Draft process was an entirely different conundrum.
As Moreno shot up draft boards, Cats' fans bit their nails to the bone in the hopes that their high-ceiling hometown hero would run it back with the blue and white. He's a core piece of what Mark Pope is trying to do in his third year.
Thankfully - oh so thankfully - Moreno has officially quieted the hearts of Wildcats fans (and Mark Pope) towards the end of this holiday weekend.
According to On3 on X, Moreno has announced his withdrawal from the NBA Draft and, thus, his return to Rupp Arena. This is a cataclysmic win for Coach Pope and his staff.
A (Cat)aclysmic Win
Moreno enticed fans just days ago by posting a cryptic set of eyeballs on social media, seemingly hinting that a decision was on the horizon one way or another. Cats fans can finally breathe knowing this thing has gone their way.
NEW: Kentucky center Malachi Moreno has announced he will withdraw from the NBA draft and return to Lexington😼https://t.co/lvTpgSxUME pic.twitter.com/FpCqrXSmRF
— On3 (@On3) May 25, 2026
Moreno's seven points and six boards per contest, brought on as a result of his taking over the starting job from Brandon Garrison during the season, are one thing; but it's the big's NBA-type frame (evidenced by his draft stock) and ongoing growth that make him a valuable returner.
At 7-foot-flat and 250 pounds, Moreno's on-paper physicality makes him an invaluable asset in the SEC, and with one year under his belt already, there are few (if any) prospects with the same merit at his position.
A Serious Incoming Run
At one point in time, Moreno seemed like a transfer portal possibility. Pope securing his commitment to Kentucky, and keeping him there, is a testament to both parties taking this incoming run seriously.
Now, with Moreno officially clicking into the pending lineup, all eyes shift to any remaining addition that Pope and his staff may share their NIL remains with... everyone is looking at (and hoping for) Milan Momcilovic.
But this is a success worth celebrating for the BBN; with fans having been hyper-critical of Pope all offseason long - rightfully so, to a certain extent - this is exactly what the current roster needed to get a boost of momentum into the final stretch of this period.
It's only right that a Kentucky native turns back the clock for another run in the blue and white. The roar in Rupp for No. 24 will be at an all-time decibel level next season. In the words of the man himself:
"BBN, I’m home. Job’s isn’t finished."
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