Malachi Moreno returns to Kentucky to anchor Mark Pope’s critical roster overhaul
Kentucky freshman center Malachi Moreno is returning to the Wildcats for the 2026-27 season, missing an NBA draft opportunity to return after announcing his decision on social media. The All-SEC Freshman Team selection averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while starting 30 games for Kentucky last season. His return gives the Wildcats a low post presence, rim protection and, most importantly, experience and consistency for Mark Pope’s team.
Kentucky is coming off a 22-13 season in which it finished tied for sixth in the SEC standings. The Wildcats earned the seventh seed in the NCAA Tournament and lost to second-seeded Iowa State in the second round. Pope is 46-26 in two years at the helm of Lexington. He begins his third season at Kentucky in a seat that is heating up and needs to win big.
Pope said the Wildcats supported Moreno’s early entry decision after the season, but recognized the value he brings to the program — if there was a chance of a return to Lexington.
“Malachi Moreno was our number one priority for this portal season,” Pope said earlier this month. “We think he’s going to be the best center in all of college basketball next year here at Kentucky. He’s going through the selection process as well. He had a great practice last night for an NBA team, (and) next week he’s heading to the combine and we’re supporting him every step of the way.”
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Moreno is an integral part of Kentucky’s plans for next season following the departures of Brandon Garrison (transferred to Alabama) and Jayden Quantaince in the draft. Expected to fill these roles are Franck Kepnang, a transfer from Washington and Reece Potter, a redshirt whose technical staff has been full of praise since his arrival.
Moreno significantly strengthens Kentucky roster for 2026-27
Moreno’s return gives Kentucky something every elite team needs in today’s college basketball landscape: continuity at the most important position on the court. His freshman numbers only scratch the surface. Moreno’s game sense, passing ability and rim protection strengths make him the kind of centerpiece that coaches build around, not just plug into the lineup.
For Pope, this is huge. Kentucky’s roster overhaul needed a proven anchor and Moreno instantly became the face of the frontcourt. His decision also stabilizes everything around him — from transfer portal additions to roster flexibility to Kentucky’s overall identity.
Kentucky has a top 15 transfer to pair with Moreno. This group includes proven guards Alex Wilkins and Zoom Diallo, as well as Jerone Morton and Justin McBride. European pro Ousmane N’Diaye provides additional size in the paint at 6-11.
Aside from what Todd Golden brings back to Florida, there is no team in the SEC with deeper frontcourt talent than the Wildcats, given offseason additions and Moreno’s decision.
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The Wildcats also remain in the hunt for Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic, who has until May 27 to withdraw from the NBA draft and get a big salary on the portal. Considered the best shooter in college basketball last season, Momcilovic made 48.7 percent of his 7.5 3-point attempts per game. Landing Momcilovic would be a massive win for Pope and would check all the boxes for what Kentucky needs in a wing scorer.
The former Iowa State star averaged 16.9 points per game as a junior and would bring three seasons of starting experience with him to his next destination. Momcilovic leaves Iowa State third all-time in career 3-pointers made, second all-time in career 3-pointers made per game, fifth all-time in consecutive games made with a 3-pointer and first all-time in games made with at least five 3-pointers.
The deadline is Wednesday to opt out of Momcilovic, who is immediately drawing major interest from programs with national championship aspirations.
“Milan is arguably the most efficient and prolific shooter in all of college basketball,” 247Sports National Basketball analyst Travis Branham said after the NCAA Tournament. “He’s 6-foot-8 and has a flamethrower for a jumper who can take shots and take shots. His efficiency and ability to make shots will be extremely coveted among the top programs in the country.”
