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Malachi Moreno Returns to Kentucky to Anchor Mark Pope's Critical Roster Overhaul
Moreno averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds as a freshman before testing the draft, and Kentucky had made bringing him back a top priority.
- On Sunday, Kentucky center Malachi Moreno announced his withdrawal from the NBA Draft, confirming his return to the Wildcats for the 2026-27 season.
- Head Coach Mark Pope identified Moreno as the program's top priority after the Georgetown native tested the NBA Draft process before the May 24 withdrawal deadline.
- The 250 pound center started 30 games as a freshman, shooting 58.2 percent from the field and hitting a buzzer-beating victory dubbed the "Malachi Miracle" against LSU.
- Returning to a reshaped roster, Moreno joins newcomers Franck Kepnang and Zoom Diallo, who were brought in to improve playmaking and facilitation for the Wildcats.
- Coach Pope expects Moreno to excel as the starting five during this pivotal third year, with Kentucky remaining active in pursuing additional talent for the rotation.
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
71% Center
L 29%
C 71%
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