Mark Pope isn’t holding back — he says Kentucky practices have turned into “fist fights every day.” And two frontcourt warriors, Brandon Garrison and Malachi Moreno, are at the center of the action. Their daily battles might just be shaping the future of Kentucky basketball.
When Mark Pope was hired to take over the Kentucky Wildcats, he promised a program built on toughness, accountability, and relentless competition. Less than a month into practice, that identity is already showing — in the bruises, sweat, and intensity behind closed doors.
Pope described Kentucky’s practices as “fist fights every day,” not in a literal sense, but as a reflection of how hard his players are going at each other. Every drill feels like a battle, every possession a test of pride. And nobody embodies that more than Brandon Garrison and Malachi Moreno.
The two big men have become the heart of Kentucky’s physical practices — a mix of size, strength, and old-school grit. Garrison, a returning presence who’s seen the ups and downs of college basketball, has taken it upon himself to raise the standard in the paint. Moreno, the young and rapidly improving center, has responded by matching his intensity every single day.
Pope said he’s “particularly impressed” by how hard those two compete, noting that their matchups are helping shape the identity of the entire roster.
“Garrison’s been a leader,” one staffer said privately. “He’s been the guy who sets the tone. But Moreno? He’s not backing down. You can see him getting more confident every day.”
The dynamic between the two has become a focal point of Kentucky’s practices. Garrison’s experience — his footwork, positioning, and defensive toughness — has been a masterclass for Moreno, who’s learning how to handle physicality at the college level. In return, Moreno’s energy and length are pushing Garrison to stay sharp and improve his own game.
With Jayden Quaintance still recovering from injury, the door is open for one of them to grab a major role early in the season. Insiders believe Moreno, in particular, could end up being one of the most surprising breakout players on the roster if his development continues at this pace.
Behind the scenes, Pope has emphasized that internal competition is what will define this team. “We don’t want practices that are easy,” he’s said. “We want them to be hard — because that’s how we’ll win when it matters.”
That mindset has created one of the most competitive environments Kentucky has seen in years — a roster full of talent, but also full of players willing to fight for every minute on the court.
The upcoming Blue-White scrimmage will be the first chance for fans to see all that energy translate into live action. It’s more than just an exhibition this year — it’s a sneak peek at a team that’s building its identity through grit, competition, and a whole lot of pride.
So as the lights go up in Rupp Arena, one question lingers for fans across Big Blue Nation:
Which player are you most excited to see take the floor tonight — the veteran enforcer Brandon Garrison, the rising prospect Malachi Moreno, or someone else ready to make a statement?
