The start of the 2026-27 college basketball season is quickly approaching, and Kentucky basketball provided plenty of insight into what lies ahead during its preseason media day Monday.
With Mark Pope preparing for his third season at the helm, the Wildcats are scheduled to open the regular season Nov. 3 against Manhattan. Before then, Kentucky will host Big Blue Madness on Oct. 2 at Rupp Arena before playing three exhibition games against Little Rock, Texas Tech and UCF.
Here are three of the biggest takeaways from Kentucky’s preseason media day.
Malachi Moreno Has Made a Major Jump
Perhaps the most revealing moment of the day came when Pope discussed sophomore center Malachi Moreno.
Pope explained that he was frustrated with Moreno during the opening month of summer workouts. The Kentucky coach felt the 7-foot center wasn’t progressing at the pace he expected.
However, Moreno eventually responded to the challenge.
Pope now believes the former highly regarded prospect has taken significant steps forward, particularly around the basket.
«“He’s almost unrecognizable with some of the skill sets that he’s brought to the game,” Pope said.»
According to Pope, Moreno has improved dramatically as an interior scorer and has become more effective at using his quickness. Kentucky is also pushing him to become a more aggressive rim protector.
His development could be one of the biggest storylines of Kentucky’s season.
Moreno is also beginning to embrace a larger leadership role within the team. Pope said his teammates increasingly view him as both a leader and a veteran despite entering only his second college season.
If Moreno continues developing at this rate, his performance could have major implications for Kentucky and his NBA prospects.
Kentucky Doesn’t Expect to Add More Players Right Now
Another important takeaway from media day was Pope’s outlook on the roster.
Kentucky currently has 14 scholarship players, leaving one scholarship available. The Wildcats also have an opening on the coaching staff.
Despite those openings, Pope doesn’t appear to be actively searching for additions.
“Our roster right now is what we’re expecting to go to battle with,” Pope said.
That doesn’t mean the door is completely closed. Pope acknowledged that Kentucky will remain open to opportunities if the right situation develops.
For now, though, the focus is on developing the players already in Lexington rather than adding another piece simply for the sake of filling the remaining scholarship.
Pope also indicated that he is comfortable with the current coaching staff.
While he left open the possibility of adding or changing a staff member, he emphasized that the current group has developed strong chemistry.
“I like our staff so much right now,” Pope said. “There’s a real synergy with what we’re doing.”
That suggests Kentucky could enter the season without making another major roster or staff move.
No Blue-White Scrimmage This Season
Kentucky fans looking forward to the annual Blue-White scrimmage will have to wait another year.
Pope confirmed that Kentucky is taking at least a one-year break from the traditional preseason event.
The decision is partly connected to what happened last season, when point guard Jaland Lowe suffered a shoulder injury during the Blue-White scrimmage. Lowe ultimately played only eight games before undergoing season-ending surgery.
Pope joked about the situation while explaining his decision.
«“I’m not superstitious, but I do appreciate data.”»
Although there won’t be a traditional Blue-White game, Pope still wants Kentucky fans to get an opportunity to see the team before the exhibitions begin.
The coach said the Wildcats could hold an open practice sometime between Big Blue Madness and the Oct. 16 exhibition against Little Rock.
That would give fans another chance to see the 2026-27 team in action without bringing back the full Blue-White format.
Kentucky’s Season Is Getting Close
With media day now complete, Kentucky’s preseason schedule is coming into focus.
The Wildcats will host Big Blue Madness on Oct. 2 before beginning their exhibition slate against Little Rock on Oct. 16. Texas Tech follows on Oct. 23, with UCF scheduled for Oct. 28.
Then comes the real test.
Kentucky opens the regular season Nov. 3 against Manhattan, beginning a campaign that will place significant attention on Moreno’s development, the chemistry of Pope’s roster and whether the Wildcats can turn their offseason progress into results when the games start counting.
For now, Pope appears comfortable with the group he has assembled.
And if Moreno’s transformation during the summer is any indication, Kentucky may have already seen one of its most important players take a significant step forward.
