When Kentucky hosted its annual Pro Day, all eyes were expected to be on the high-profile names — Otega Oweh, Brandon Garrison, and Denzel Aberdeen. But when the lights hit and the drills began, it was Malachi Moreno who stole the show and had NBA scouts whispering his name before the day was over.
At 7 feet tall with a frame that looks tailor-made for the pros, Moreno didn’t just impress — he dominated quietly. His footwork, timing, and composure around the rim caught the attention of multiple scouts who described him as “far more advanced than we expected.”
One scout put it bluntly: “He’s NBA-ready in how he moves. He knows where to be, how to contest without fouling, and he’s confident — that’s rare at his age.”
Moreno’s game looked smooth and effortless. He ran the floor with purpose, finished plays above the rim, and displayed a soft shooting touch during post-up drills that had coaches nodding in approval. When scrimmages kicked off, his defensive instincts stood out — altering shots, boxing out with discipline, and communicating like a seasoned veteran.
For Kentucky fans, Moreno’s emergence wasn’t shocking — he’s been a steady worker since arriving on campus. But to the NBA scouts who hadn’t seen him live before, it was an awakening. The buzz grew louder with each possession, and by the end of the session, several team representatives were asking for more footage.
Mark Pope, never one to oversell his players, still couldn’t help but smile when asked about Moreno’s performance. “Malachi’s been putting in the work every single day. What you saw today is who he’s becoming — consistent, smart, and ready for any moment,” Pope said.
With Kentucky’s roster stacked with talent, it’s easy for someone like Moreno to fly under the radar. But that may not last long. If he continues to play with this level of confidence and control, the conversation about Kentucky’s next NBA prospect might have a new headliner.
And judging from the buzz leaving Lexington, NBA scouts already know his name.
