Full Breakdown
Malachi Moreno Withdraws from NBA Draft, Returns to Kentucky for Sophomore Season
5/25/2026, 1:12:22 PM
Decision Overview
Kentucky center Malachi Moreno announced Sunday that he is withdrawing from the 2026 NBA Draft and will return for the 2026-27 season. He told head coach Mark Pope before the May 27 deadline, citing a desire to help Kentucky win a banner and boost draft stock while staying at his hometown program.
Freshman Snapshot
Moreno played all 36 games, starting 30, and averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He led Kentucky in rebounds and blocks, recorded 11 double-digit scoring games, shot 58.2 % and hit a buzzer-beater at LSU that capped an 18-point comeback.
Draft Process Summary
Moreno entered the draft to test his stock, attending the NBA Combine (skipping scrimmages) and a Los Angeles pro day. He worked out for all 30 NBA teams and held private sessions with clubs including the Knicks, Lakers, Celtics, Heat, Grizzlies, Hawks and Trail Blazers. Mock drafts placed him between a late first-round (Yahoo No. 23, CBS No. 30) and early second-round (ESPN No. 36) selection.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Mark Pope said Moreno was the No. 1 priority entering the portal and expects him to be the best center in college basketball next season. Pope added that Moreno’s return gives Kentucky a premier frontcourt anchor and fits the three-year plan. Moreno said his decision was driven by fit, the chance to help Kentucky win a banner, and personal comfort.
Criticism & Challenges
Analysts note recent recruiting setbacks and the loss of rotation players as obstacles, warning that without added talent Kentucky may struggle to earn a Top-25 preseason ranking despite Moreno’s return.
Impact on Roster & Outlook
Moreno will be the only regular starter returning; other starters transferred, exhausted eligibility, or entered the draft, while returning players include Kam Williams, Trent Noah, Braydon Hawthorne and Reece Potter. New additions feature transfers Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, forward Ousmane N’Diaye and pursuing forward Milan Momcilovic. Moreno’s defense and passing should lift Kentucky’s SEC standing and improve its NCAA tournament prospects.
Conflicting Draft Projections
Draft outlooks vary: ESPN’s mock placed Moreno at No. 36 (early second round), Yahoo Sports at No. 23 (late first round) and CBS at No. 30 (first round). No source offers a consensus, reflecting divergent scouting views.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Job isn't finished.” — Malachi Moreno, Kentucky center
- “It’s very important. He’s the one that kind of got me started on this journey,” — Malachi Moreno, NBA Combine
- “Malachi Moreno was the number one priority for us going into this portal season,” — Mark Pope, head coach
- “We think that he’s going to be the best center in all of college basketball next year here at Kentucky.” — Mark Pope
What’s Next
Kentucky will finalize its roster, including the pursuit of forward Milan Momcilovic, and begin offseason workouts under Pope. Polls have yet to rank the Wildcats in the Top 25, but Moreno’s return could shift expectations as the team targets a SEC finish and a deep NCAA tournament run.
