Whatever direction Kentucky basketball takes this offseason, change is unavoidable. After a 2025–26 campaign that didn’t meet expectations, adjustments are not only expected—they’re necessary. But while new faces may arrive and others depart, Mark Pope has one priority that could define the Wildcats’ future: keeping Collin Chandler and Malachi Moreno in Lexington.
With leading scorers Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen moving on, and several roster decisions still unresolved, Kentucky enters a period of uncertainty. The fan base is restless, and while wins will ultimately calm concerns, that relief won’t come until the season begins. In the meantime, roster-building becomes critical.
Adding elite talent—whether it’s a top recruit like Tyran Stokes or impact transfers—will help. But recent history has shown that talent alone isn’t enough. Continuity matters. Kentucky fans want to connect with players, watch them develop, and see that growth translate into success. That tradition has been difficult to maintain in the era of NIL deals and the transfer portal, but Pope has a chance to restore some of it—starting with Chandler and Moreno.
Both players emerged as key contributors this past season. Chandler started 31 games and averaged 9.7 points per game, while shooting a team-best 41% from beyond the arc, despite a late-season slump. Moreno, who started 30 games, anchored the interior with 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, leading the team in rebounds and blocks. He also showed flashes of becoming an effective facilitator at the center position.
Beyond their production, both players bring something Kentucky desperately needs: leadership.
Leadership has been a complicated issue during Pope’s tenure so far. Previous teams featured talented players, but not many natural vocal leaders. Even standout players like Jaxson Robinson and Oweh weren’t traditional leaders, while point guards Lamont Butler and Aberdeen gradually grew into those roles rather than naturally embracing them.
Chandler and Moreno appear different.
Pope has repeatedly praised their “steadiness”—a trait he views as essential for leadership. Moreno maintains a calm, even-keeled presence, while Chandler brings relentless effort and consistency every day. Chandler has also built a reputation for delivering in clutch moments, earning the trust of his teammates.
Their leadership development is rooted in experience. Chandler, now entering his third year with Pope, has a deep understanding of the system and the program’s expectations. After Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament loss to Iowa State, he reflected on how experience has shaped his growth, noting that leadership comes naturally with time and familiarity.
Moreno’s leadership journey has been more direct—and at times, confrontational. Even as a freshman, he wasn’t afraid to challenge older teammates in practice. Initially, that didn’t sit well with veterans, but over time, his performance and consistency earned their respect. Coaches have been impressed not only with his willingness to hold others accountable, but also with his ability to accept criticism and improve.
That combination—accountability, toughness, and growth—has positioned both players as potential cornerstone leaders for next season.
Looking ahead, Pope believes their development is just beginning. Moreno’s basketball IQ and understanding of the game are expected to expand, allowing him to better guide teammates on the floor. Chandler, meanwhile, has shown a unique ability to connect with different personalities, a crucial trait for leading a diverse roster.
Of course, leadership isn’t just about potential—it’s about results. Both players struggled late in the season, and they’ve openly acknowledged the need to improve.
Moreno didn’t shy away from his shortcomings, admitting his play declined in the postseason and emphasizing the need to improve in all areas. Chandler echoed that mindset, expressing a strong desire to return, win more games, and make a deeper run in March.
Both have NBA aspirations, and Moreno has even been mentioned as a possible first-round pick. But for now, their focus appears to be on unfinished business at Kentucky.
For Mark Pope, the equation is clear. Recruiting talent will always matter, but building a winning culture requires more than that. If Kentucky can retain Chandler and Moreno, the Wildcats won’t just bring back two productive players—they’ll secure the foundation of leadership needed to navigate a new era of college basketball.
In a time defined by constant roster turnover, that kind of stability could make all the difference.
