Malachi Moreno Opens Up About Joining Kentucky, Embracing Mark Pope’s Offense, and the Journey That Shaped His Game and Character
Malachi Moreno is a name that’s been on the radar of college basketball insiders for years. Standing at nearly seven feet tall, with soft hands, a natural feel for the game, and an improving offensive arsenal, Moreno has steadily emerged as one of the most promising big men in the high school ranks. Now, as he prepares to suit up for the Kentucky Wildcats, his excitement is palpable. In a recent sit-down interview with BBN Tonight’s Sierra Newton, Moreno opened up about his journey, his role in Mark Pope’s fast-paced, pro-style offense, and the personal growth that’s shaped him into the player and person he is today.
It’s easy to focus on the stats and rankings when discussing a player like Moreno—his blocks per game, rebounding dominance, and impact around the rim speak for themselves. But what became clear during his conversation with Newton is that his basketball journey has been just as much about maturity and mentality as it has been about physical development.
Growing up in Georgetown, Kentucky, Moreno’s roots are humble. He credits his family, particularly his parents and older brother, for instilling in him the work ethic and values that still guide him. “They kept me grounded,” he told Newton. “No matter how good things were going on the court, they always made sure I remembered what mattered—working hard, treating people right, and staying focused.”
Moreno’s rise to prominence didn’t happen overnight. He was always one of the tallest kids on the court, but he had to learn how to use his body effectively, how to defend without fouling, and how to adapt to different coaching styles. Those lessons, he says, have prepared him perfectly for the next chapter of his basketball life.
And that chapter begins under new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope.
“Coach Pope’s vision for this program really connected with me,” Moreno said. “He wants to play fast, to spread the floor, and to use bigs who can do more than just stand in the paint. That’s the kind of system I’ve always wanted to play in.”
Pope, a former Wildcat and NBA veteran, has made it clear that his version of Kentucky basketball will be rooted in pace, space, and versatility. For a modern big man like Moreno, that’s music to the ears. His ability to run the floor, pass out of the high post, and step out to hit the occasional midrange jumper fits seamlessly into Pope’s pro-style vision.
“Coach wants his bigs to be playmakers, not just rim protectors or screen setters,” Moreno explained. “That’s what gets me excited. I’ve worked a lot on expanding my game—handling the ball a little, reading the floor, setting up teammates. It’s not just about scoring anymore.”
That evolution in his game didn’t happen by accident. Moreno credits hours in the gym, watching film, and studying some of the NBA’s best bigs—like Nikola Jokić, Bam Adebayo, and Al Horford—for shaping the way he sees the position. “Those guys do a little bit of everything,” he said. “They’re smart. They make the right plays. They defend, they rebound, and they make their teammates better. That’s who I want to be.”
During the interview, Newton also asked about the transition from high school to playing in front of one of the most passionate fanbases in all of sports: Big Blue Nation. Moreno smiled, admitting that it’s something he’s thought about since he was a kid. “I used to watch games at Rupp Arena and imagine myself out there. To finally get that chance, it’s a dream. But it’s also a responsibility. The fans expect greatness, and I want to give them everything I’ve got.”
That sense of accountability and pride is something Pope and his staff immediately noticed in Moreno. While talent can get a player noticed, it’s character that often separates good prospects from great ones. Pope has made culture a cornerstone of his recruiting philosophy, and Moreno fits right in.
“He’s coachable. He listens. He wants to improve every day,” Pope said in a recent press conference. “And most importantly, he wants to win. That’s the kind of guy we want wearing Kentucky blue.”
Newton asked Moreno how he’s preparing for the jump in competition, and his response revealed a quiet confidence. “I know it’s going to be faster, more physical, and more demanding. But I’ve been training for this. I’ve added strength, worked on my conditioning, and I’m mentally ready to compete. I’m not coming to just be a role player. I want to make a real impact.”
That impact may come in multiple forms. While Moreno is known primarily for his defensive presence—shot blocking, rim protection, and altering shots—his offensive game is catching up quickly. He’s been working with trainers on his footwork, developing a reliable jump hook, and improving his free-throw shooting, knowing that being a complete player is key to thriving in Pope’s offense.
“I want to be a guy they can count on in crunch time,” he said. “Whether that’s getting a stop, grabbing a rebound, or making the right pass. I want to be part of winning plays.”
Off the court, Moreno also appears ready for the bright lights of Lexington. Newton asked how he stays grounded amid all the attention and expectations, and his answer was simple: “Faith, family, and staying true to who I am. At the end of the day, basketball is what I do—but it’s not all of who I am.”
He also spoke about giving back to his community, something he’s passionate about as he begins to build his platform. “I want to be a role model for kids back home. Let them know it’s possible if you stay focused and work hard. I didn’t come from a big city or a flashy program. I just kept grinding.”
As the interview wrapped up, Newton asked one final question: What does wearing a Kentucky jersey mean to you?
Moreno paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully.
“It means everything,” he said. “It’s pride. It’s tradition. It’s excellence. When I put on that jersey, I’m not just representing myself—I’m representing every player who came before me, my family, my community, and the whole state. That means something to me. And I’m going to play like it means something every single night.”
It’s clear that Malachi Moreno is not just another highly ranked recruit. He’s a player with a clear vision, a strong sense of self, and a hunger to contribute to something bigger than himself. As Kentucky prepares to usher in the Mark Pope era, it’s young men like Moreno who will help define the program’s future.
With the tools, the mindset, and the system to thrive, Moreno’s fit in Pope’s fast-paced offense looks like a match made in Lexington. And if his words to Sierra Newton are any indication, Big Blue Nation is about to get a player whose passion runs as deep as his potential.
