Kentucky Secures Homegrown 4-Star Center Malachi Moreno

On Friday, Kentucky coach Mark Pope landed a significant recruit in Malachi Moreno, a four-star center from Georgetown, Kentucky. Moreno announced his commitment to the Wildcats, marking the first commitment in the 2025 class under the new Kentucky head coach, who took over for John Calipari in April after leaving BYU.

Moreno, ranked as the No. 36 recruit in his class by ESPN, is a 7-foot tall center who stands out in a landscape where many big men are opting for a more versatile “positionless” style of play. However, he is far from the only athlete on Pope’s radar.

Pope has set his sights on several other prominent recruits, including five-star prospect Jasper Johnson, a 6’4″ guard from Lexington. Additionally, Pope is pursuing Tounde Yessoufou, Chris Cenac Jr., and Braylon Mullins, the latter of whom competes alongside Moreno on the Indiana Elite team.

Moreno is particularly noted for his offensive skills around the basket and his defensive ability to block shots. He has a keen sense of timing, waiting until the offensive player releases the ball before making his move to block. His commitment to rebounding is evident; he not only grabs the ball high but also keeps it elevated for easy putbacks. He possesses an excellent passing vision, allowing him to play effectively on the perimeter as a high-low passer and in dribble-handoffs. Furthermore, his basketball IQ enables him to navigate the half court adeptly, especially when it comes to slipping screens. While his shooting can still improve, he has shown he can make shots with touch.

Moreno’s commitment was made public at Great Crossing High School in front of a large audience. “There will be 1,800 students in our gym for this announcement,” he said excitedly.

Mark Pope, a former center who contributed to Kentucky’s national championship win in 1996 before enjoying a decade-long NBA career, is known for valuing the role of big men in his offensive strategies. This reputation played a pivotal role in Moreno’s decision to join the Wildcats.

“I chose Kentucky because of Coach Pope’s playing style,” Moreno explained. “He emphasizes playing through the big men and utilizing their passing abilities. That aspect is a significant part of my game. Ever since the new staff took over, they have consistently recruited me. Coach Pope has already proved what it takes to succeed at Kentucky, having won a national title here.”

Moreno also noted the legacy of Kentucky in developing big men who transition to successful NBA careers, which further influenced his choice. “Kentucky’s campus is beautiful,” he mentioned. “Their fans are unparalleled. Growing up, I always dreamed of playing here, watching athletes like Nerlens Noel, Willie Cauley-Stein, Anthony Davis, and Nick Richards excel. I also plan to study education and pursue a career as a teacher someday, as my teachers have had a profound impact on my life. I want to give back to the next generation in the same way.”

Moreno’s decision not only highlights his potential as a player but also his ambition to contribute to the legacy of Kentucky basketball while aiming for a future in education.