Malachi Moreno made his decision and decided he would be testing the NBA Draft waters while maintaining his college eligibility. That is the bad news. The good news is that he also said that if he is in college, he will be playing for Kentucky basketball.
"After a lot of prayer, and after sitting down with my family and the people I trust most, I've decided to take the next step in chasing my dream. I will be entering the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility. I'm looking forward to learning through this process, competing, and continuing to develop my game as I evaluate what's best for my future. Representing this state and wearing Kentucky across my chest is something I've never taken for granted. If I'm back in college next season, It'll be right here with Big Blue Nation."
And with the way he played, I would plan on him being right back in Lexington next year.
Malachi Moreno has potential but needs time
Malachi Moreno was solid in his debut season in Lexington. He wasn't spectacular, though. And with this NBA Draft class, he would need to be spectacular to go really high. You have Koa Peat, who averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, projected to go around the 20th pick. Motiejus Krivas averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds, and both were more physical than Moreno was. And it is not his fault.
He was recruited to develop behind Jayden Quaintance and Brandon Garrison. But JQ was only able to play 4 games, and Brandon Garrison was as inconsistent as ever. That forced a guy who was going to gain strength and get used to the college game into the starting lineup. And it showed.
In postseason play, Moreno did not get more than 7 points and no more than 6 rebounds, and averaged 4.8 points and 4.8 rebounds. That is not going to get it done against the grown men and talent that are going into the NBA this year.
But an offseason program where he focuses on his weight and strength would be huge for Malachi. Also, his passing needs quite a bit of work.
Malachi Moreno's assist to turnover ratio has to get better
In Mark Pope's offense, the big man is supposed to do a lot of the passing, but Moreno struggled to find open guys, and he was scared against the double team. He averaged 1.8 assists and 1.3 turnovers a night last year. Those kinds of numbers are not good enough for an NBA offense.
He can get there, though; he just needs time. And that is what is the best news for Kentucky. Barring someone making a promise to take him and pay him handsomely, he is going to be right back in Lexington for year 2 and will be a lot better.