As the 2026-27 season approaches, expectations surrounding Kentucky sophomore center Malachi Moreno continue to rise.
After choosing to return to Lexington instead of keeping his name in the 2026 NBA Draft, Moreno enters his second season with the Wildcats carrying considerably more attention. The former five-star prospect showed plenty of promise as a freshman, and now national analysts are expecting him to take another major step forward.
Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney recently ranked Moreno as the No. 9 center in college basketball heading into the upcoming season. While that ranking represents significant national recognition, Kentucky fans may still believe Moreno belongs even higher.
Sweeney pointed to Moreno’s impressive mobility for a 7-footer and his ability to contribute on the boards. Moreno averaged 6.3 rebounds per game as a freshman, but there is plenty of reason to believe that number could increase during his sophomore campaign.
The biggest question is whether Moreno can become more consistent.
Sweeney believes that if Moreno takes another step in that area, he could quickly emerge as one of the best big men in the country.
That would be enormous for Mark Pope and Kentucky.
The Wildcats enter the upcoming season with plenty of perimeter talent, shooting and playmaking. But having a reliable interior presence could be the difference between a good season and a special one.
Moreno has the size, skill and mobility to become that player.
There is also plenty of motivation built into his No. 9 ranking.
Louisville’s Flory Bidunga, Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu and Duke’s Patrick Ngongba were among the centers ranked ahead of Moreno. With several of those players coming from programs Kentucky will be competing against for national and SEC attention, Moreno will have plenty of opportunities to prove the ranking wrong.
For Big Blue Nation, the hope is that Moreno doesn’t simply build on his freshman season — he makes a major leap.
If he becomes more aggressive on the glass, more consistent offensively and continues developing defensively, Moreno could quickly move from being viewed as a promising young center to one of the most important big men in college basketball.
The No. 9 ranking is certainly recognition.
But for Moreno and Kentucky, it may only be the beginning.
