The wait continues for Big Blue Nation, but the signs surrounding Malachi Moreno may be starting to lean heavily in Kentucky’s favor.
As Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats continue building what could become one of the nation’s most talented rosters for the 2026-27 season, one major decision still hangs over the program — whether Moreno will remain in the NBA Draft or return to Lexington for another season.
And now, more national basketball analysts are beginning to believe the Wildcats could get their star big man back.
Moreno recently chose not to participate in the NBA Combine 5-on-5 scrimmages, which immediately sparked speculation across college basketball circles. Some fans wondered if the move hinted at uncertainty about his draft stock, while others viewed it as a strong indication he may already be leaning toward returning to Kentucky.
CBS Sports analysts Matt Norlander and Gary Parrish appear to fall into that second category.
During a recent episode of Eye On College Basketball, the two analysts discussed Moreno’s situation and revealed they currently expect him to return to college basketball next season. According to Parrish, there’s roughly a 75 percent chance Moreno suits up for Kentucky again.
“I think Moreno and Tyler Tanner are going to play against each other in the SEC next season,” Parrish said. “They’re going through the process, but I don’t blame them. They’re handling it very well.”
That prediction is massive news for Kentucky fans because Moreno’s return could completely change the ceiling of next year’s team.
Mark Pope has made it clear how highly he views the Kentucky native. The Wildcats coach recently said he believes Moreno has the potential to become the best center in college basketball next season if he returns to Lexington.
That’s not small praise — especially considering the amount of talent expected across the country next year.
Kentucky is still awaiting decisions from multiple players as the May 27 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline approaches, including former Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic. The Wildcats coaching staff has remained active throughout the process, spending time in Chicago evaluating talent and monitoring potential roster additions.
For now, the uncertainty continues.
But with more respected analysts publicly predicting Moreno’s return, Kentucky fans suddenly have a major reason to believe the Wildcats could soon receive the roster news they’ve been desperately hoping for.
