Kentucky coach Mark Pope made a significant move on Friday by securing a commitment from Malachi Moreno, a highly-rated four-star center from Georgetown, Kentucky. Moreno, ranked No. 36 in the 2025 class by ESPN, is the first recruit to commit to Pope since he took over as head coach from John Calipari in April.
Player Profile:
- Name: Malachi Moreno
- Position: Center
- Height: 7 feet
- Hometown: Georgetown, Kentucky
- Class: 2025
- ESPN Ranking: No. 36
Moreno is a skilled and traditional center, distinguishing himself in a class where many big men prefer the “positionless” label. Known for his scoring ability on the blocks and shot-blocking prowess, Moreno has a strong presence in the paint. His defensive timing is notable, as he expertly waits until the offensive player releases the ball before blocking. He excels in rebounding, high-pointing the ball and keeping it elevated for putbacks. Additionally, Moreno possesses good passing vision, allowing him to function effectively as a high-low passer, screener, and in dribble-handoffs.
Recruitment Insights:
- Coach Mark Pope’s Influence: Pope, a former Kentucky center and 1996 national champion, has a playing style that incorporates big men prominently, which resonated with Moreno. Pope’s emphasis on utilizing big men and his track record of success at Kentucky played a key role in Moreno’s decision to commit.
- Additional Targets: Five-star guard Jasper Johnson from Lexington is a top target for Pope, along with Tounde Yessoufou, Chris Cenac Jr., and Braylon Mullins, who plays alongside Moreno for Indiana Elite.
Moreno made his commitment announcement at Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, drawing a large crowd of 1,800 students. He expressed enthusiasm about joining Kentucky, citing the program’s legacy of developing NBA-caliber big men such as Nerlens Noel, Willie Cauley-Stein, Anthony Davis, and Nick Richards.
Moreno’s Statement:
“I chose Kentucky because of Coach Pope’s playing style. He likes to play through their big men and allows them to pass. That’s a big part of my game. Since the day the new staff got the job, they have been very consistent in recruiting me. Coach Pope won a national title here as a player, so he knows what it takes to be great at Kentucky. I received an offer from [Calipari] and had to start over with Coach Pope. I had to earn my scholarship twice.”
Moreno also noted his admiration for Kentucky’s campus and fan base, and his aspiration to pursue a career in education, inspired by his teachers.
“I plan on studying education and being a teacher someday. My teachers have helped me so much over the years. I want to do that for the next generation.”
