Kentucky secures Malachi Moreno, anchoring Pope’s roster overhaul
Head coach Mark Pope hails Moreno as the programme’s “number one priority” as Kentucky pursues further frontcourt reinforcements.
Kentucky freshman centre Malachi Moreno has decided to return to the university for the 2026-27 season, foregoing an entry into the NBA Draft. The All-SEC Freshman Team selection, who started 30 games last season, provides head coach Mark Pope with a crucial anchor for a roster overhaul following the departures of Brandon Garrison and Jayden Quantaince. Moreno's return is viewed as vital for continuity, with the Wildcats also pursuing Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic to bolster their frontcourt and wing scoring.
Moreno, who averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while starting 30 games last season, announced his decision via social media. His return provides Kentucky with a much-needed low-post presence and rim protection, offering the experience and consistency required for Pope’s squad. The Wildcats finished the previous campaign 22-13, tying for sixth in the SEC standings before losing to Iowa State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Pope described Moreno as the “number one priority” for the portal season, projecting that the centre will be the “best center in all of college basketball next year.” The coaching staff supported Moreno’s early-entry decision, and he recently completed an NBA workout ahead of the draft combine next week. Pope emphasized that the programme supports him every step of the way through the process, regardless of the final outcome.
The decision stabilizes a roster undergoing significant change after Garrison transferred to Alabama and Quantaince entered the draft. To fill the resulting gaps, Kentucky has secured a top-15 transfer haul including guards Alex Wilkins and Zoom Diallo, forwards Jerone Morton and Justin McBride, and European pro Ousmane N'Diaye. Franck Kepnang and redshirt Reece Potter are also expected to contribute to the frontcourt rotation.
Kentucky remains in pursuit of Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic, who has until May 27 to withdraw from the NBA Draft. Considered college basketball’s best shooter, Momcilovic averaged 16.9 points per game and shot 48.7% from three-point range last season. 247Sports analyst Travis Branham described him as “arguably the most efficient and prolific shot-maker in all of college basketball,” noting his value as a wing scorer who could complement Moreno’s interior presence.
