No emotion. No nerves. Just buckets — and blocks. That’s how Malachi Moreno is announcing himself in Lexington. While most freshmen bigs take time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the college game, Moreno looks like he skipped that phase entirely.
Coaches say his footwork is “ahead of schedule.” Teammates call him “unshakeable.” And during summer practice, his presence is impossible to ignore.
What’s making the difference?
It’s not just his 7-foot frame — it’s how he uses it. Smart positioning, soft touch around the rim, and a growing confidence as a shot blocker. One assistant put it simply:
> “He’s not just in the right place — he’s already making the right decisions.”
Malachi doesn’t chase highlight plays. He doesn’t force shots. He plays cold, calculated basketball — the kind that wins rotations and earns trust.
And now, what once looked like a developmental year is shifting. Because if he keeps this up, Mark Pope may have no choice but to carve out a role… sooner than expected.
