The Kentucky Wildcats continue to follow closely the decision of big man Malachi Moreno, who is still weighing whether to remain in the 2026 NBA Draft or return to Lexington for his sophomore season.
The situation has developed into one of the most important offseason storylines for Kentucky basketball. When Moreno initially declared for the draft, many around the program believed it was largely a “test the waters” decision, with expectations that the Georgetown, Kentucky native would ultimately withdraw and return to school. There were even reports that Moreno made financial sacrifices to stay in Lexington instead of entering the transfer portal, signaling a strong commitment to the Wildcats at the time.
However, his strong freshman campaign has significantly changed the conversation. Instead of being viewed as a likely returnee, Moreno is now considered a legitimate NBA Draft prospect after proving he can contribute at a high level in his first season of college basketball.
Heading into the year, Moreno was not expected to play a major role in Kentucky’s rotation. He was projected to be the third option at center behind Jayden Quaintance and Brandon Garrison. But injuries and circumstances quickly shifted the depth chart. Quaintance was limited to just four games on the season, which opened the door for Moreno to step into a much larger role than originally anticipated.
He took full advantage of the opportunity, becoming one of the most pleasant surprises on the roster. Over the course of 36 games, including 30 starts, Moreno averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 58.2 percent from the field. Playing 22.6 minutes per game, he established himself as a reliable interior presence on both ends of the floor.
Speaking with CBS Sports reporter Isaac Trotter, Moreno explained that his ultimate goal remains reaching the NBA, but emphasized that his decision will depend heavily on ongoing conversations with those closest to him.
“This is my dream, to be in the NBA, so I am looking at it with my best foot forward,” Moreno said. He added that while he has left the door open to returning to college, the next couple of weeks will be critical as he evaluates feedback and continues discussions with his support system.
Moreno also noted that his decision-making process will involve extensive conversations with his brother, who he described as one of the most influential voices in his life, along with his family and inner circle. He acknowledged that the final choice will come down to what is best for his long-term future.
Another factor in his evaluation has been the pre-draft process. Moreno explained why he chose not to participate in scrimmages at the NBA Draft Combine, saying that advice from his representatives suggested he was already in a strong position. Instead, he is focusing on upcoming workouts and a Pro Day in Los Angeles, where he hopes to further improve his draft stock.
“I would love to be a first-round pick,” Moreno said, while stressing that he still has time before making a final decision.
With the deadline approaching, Kentucky fans are eagerly awaiting his announcement. His potential return would provide a major boost for the Wildcats, while his departure would mark the end of a breakout season that significantly raised his profile at the next level.
Leave a Reply