Malachi Moreno's pending NBA Draft decision will change the course of Kentucky's offseason either way. Mark Pope himself admitted that Moreno's return was his top priority heading into this period, and Kentucky's roster has plainly been structured in a way that allows for his uncontested flourishing at the starting five spot.
Now, nine days out from the deadline by which Moreno has to make his call, and we know little to nothing about the outcome. It's a familiar waiting game for the blue and white that has fans crossing their fingers, in lieu of anything productive to do. Although, we aren't along in thinking No. 24 should come back for his sophomore season.
Jeff Goodman, on the Field of 68, leveled a piece of advice for the Kentucky native big. Goodman, in spite of his reputation for stoking the fires of the Big Blue Nation, is siding with Cats fans on this issue.
"I think the smarter move for him is another year at Kentucky. I think he should come back."
The So-Called Smarter Move
Goodman noted that, when Moreno first entered into the draft, Kentucky seemed to feel like they had the leverage in the situation. Now, though, given Moreno's meteoric rise on draft boards, "he's got the leverage."
Malachi Moreno: stay or go?
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) May 17, 2026
"I think the smarter move for him is another year at Kentucky. I think he should come back" - @GoodmanHoops
🎥: https://t.co/CjX2JHvACs pic.twitter.com/KtWndFZvxd
Even so, Goodman, like many (biased) Wildcats fans, believes Moreno should undergo one more year of growth at Rupp Arena before fully throwing himself at the league.
"I feel like he probably knows he needs another year in college..." Goodman continued (phew, if he's right), "His skill-level, his consistency just dominate, dominate at this level, if you can. So I think he should come back, and I think he will."
Doing Wonders Across the Board
Moreno's 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in his freshman season were one thing, but an offseason of conditioning ahead of a full season in the starting role could truly do wonders for both his ability and his draft stock.
Much like Florida's Alex Condon, who continued to trust Todd Golden and the Gators' developmental process, Moreno has a chance to inflate those aforementioned numbers and step into a truly commanding role for Kentucky.
The team has been built around his remaining here, to an extent; gone are the days of fighting with Brandon Garrison for impact minutes, as are the times of wondering whether or not Jayden Quaintance will return and take his job.
MM has the keys to the frontcourt in Lexington. The NBA is every player's goal, and it makes sense why a first round pick in any capacity could be alluring to the current Cat.
But more dough in Lexington, as well as a potential lottery pick down the road, are both seemingly on the table. For the time being, the move remains a second season in championship blue.
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