Mark Pope noted in a video to the Big Blue Nation just a few weeks ago that retaining Malachi Moreno was the staff’s top priority this offseason. Getting him to sign with Kentucky was one thing, but retaining him through the NBA Draft process was an entirely different conundrum.
As Moreno shot up draft boards, Cats’ fans bit their nails to the bone in the hopes that their high-ceiling hometown hero would run it back with the blue and white. He’s a core piece of what Mark Pope is trying to do in his third year.
Thankfully – oh so thankfully – Moreno has officially quieted the hearts of Wildcats fans (and Mark Pope) towards the end of this holiday weekend.
According to On3 on X, Moreno has announced his withdrawal from the NBA Draft and, thus, his return to Rupp Arena. This is a cataclysmic win for Coach Pope and his staff.
Moreno’s seven points and six boards per contest, brought on as a result of his taking over the starting job from Brandon Garrison during the season, are one thing; but it’s the big’s NBA-type frame (evidenced by his draft stock) and ongoing growth that make him a valuable returner.
At 7-foot-flat and 250 pounds, Moreno’s on-paper physicality makes him an invaluable asset in the SEC, and with one year under his belt already, there are few (if any) prospects with the same merit at his position.
At one point in time, Moreno seemed like a transfer portal possibility. Pope securing his commitment to Kentucky and keeping him there is a testament to both parties taking this incoming run seriously.
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