Amidst an offseason full of uncertainty and recruities woes that have left Kentucky fans dizzy, the early announcement that Malachi Moreno would return to Lexington has been a reliable bedrock of comfort in spite of it all.
The second-year big man, expected to take a sizable leap, could've gone just about anywhere and demanded a massive check. Instead, he remained in his hometown state to run things back with Mark Pope. That is, assuming he doesn't leave for the NBA. He wouldn't, right?
Right? Well, according to Adam Zagoria on X, the New York Knicks hosted Moreno for a pre-draft workout just yesterday. Not only was Moreno already mocked to New York by Bleacher Report, but the Knicks are set to pick late in the first round. A potentially disastrous storm is brewing here.
A Disastrous Draft Storm
If Moreno's workout - which, to be fair, was hosted alongside a number of candidates - went well enough, New York could outright offer him a first round promise. Kentucky has seen this before with Chris Livingston; it's far from out of the picture.
And, in that dire case, Moreno may decide to leave his money on the table in Lexington for a surefire opportunity at the next level. Likely? Maybe not, but the possibility is harrowing enough on its own to send the BBN into hysterics.
The Knicks hosted a pre-draft workout on Tuesday that included prospects Donavan Atwell (Texas Tech), Elliot Cadeau (Michigan), Malachi Moreno (Kentucky) and Jackson Paveletzke (Ohio), per league source. https://t.co/C3gsqNiRnX
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 6, 2026
Not only has Coach Pope struggled to fill in gaps on the roster as it currently stands, but removing Moreno would leave the Wildcats without one designated player at the five position.
It would also take the team's only returning starter out of the picture, effectively obliterating Pope's original pitch for retention and cleaning the slate once more ahead of a pivotal third year for his regime.
It's something Kentucky needs to avoid at all costs. Although, it isn't really in the program's hands.
Out of Kentucky's Hands
With the NBA Combine approaching next week, as well as the deadline to withdrawal coming shortly after, on May 27, the Cats will simply have to endure the process of Moreno feeling this whole thing out. This is par for the course with big-name, high-ceiling prospects.
BBN will be quick to remember a similar roundabout with Otega Oweh last season; Pope's crown jewel had Cats fans on the edge of their seats for weeks on end.
Now, the same seems bound for Moreno. A Kentucky kid will be loved wherever he ends up, but personally, I can't remember a time recently that this team was contextually more desperate for a player to stick around than Moreno.
He is absolutely crucial to the 2026-27 roster. Buckle up, BBN, and try not to lose your heads.
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