US EditionKentucky's Malachi Moreno Declares for Draft but Maintains Eligibility
The freshman center averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while testing the draft process and preserving a path back to Kentucky.
- On Monday, Kentucky Men's Basketball forward Malachi Moreno announced he is entering the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, preserving the option to return to the Wildcats.
- Participating in next month's NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Moreno will receive professional feedback on his game; he confirmed he will remain a Wildcat if he withdraws from the process.
- The All-SEC Freshman Team selection appeared in all 36 games, starting 30, while averaging 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and shooting 58% from the field in his debut season.
- Before joining Kentucky, the Georgetown native was a 2025 McDonald's All-American and Kentucky Mr. Basketball, leading Great Crossing High School to its first state championship in boys basketball.
- Kentucky coach Mark Pope emphasized Moreno's high basketball IQ and developing ability to communicate effectively with teammates, positioning him for growth as a leader in his sophomore year.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Malachi Moreno announces he'll enter the 2026 NBA Draft, maintain college eligibility
"I've always been a Cat. "Kentucky Men's Basketball's freshman forward Malachi Moreno announced on social media that he plans to enter the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. "If I'm back in college next season, it'll be right here with Big Blue Nation."Malachi Moreno averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, while shooting 58% from the field in his lone season as a Wildcat.The All-SEC Freshma…
OFFSEASON: Malachi Moreno enters NBA Draft, retains eligibility to return to Kentucky
Kentucky men’s basketball big man Malachi Moreno is set to return to Lexington next season while also testing the NBA Draft waters, he announced on social media. “If I’m back in college next season, it’ll be right here with Big Blue Nation,” Moreno said. OFFSEASON: Kentucky loses starting forward Andrija Jelavic to the portal OFFSEASON: Mo Dioubate becomes fourth Kentucky player to announce transfer plans OFFSEASON: Kentucky forward Brandon G…
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