While Kentucky awaits the return of star big man Jayden Quaintance — recovering from a torn ACL — head coach Mark Pope has turned to a pair of McDonald’s All-Americans to hold down the frontcourt: sophomore Brandon Garrison and true freshman Malachi Moreno.
At 7’0” and 250 pounds with a 7’1” wingspan and a 9’4” standing reach, Moreno offers an imposing presence in the paint. He’ll split time at the five with Garrison, another highly touted recruit with SEC experience and a year under Pope’s system.
Though Kentucky has other frontcourt options — including Mo Dioubate and Andrija Jelavic at the four, and Reece Potter, a 7-footer who can stretch the floor — it’s Garrison and Moreno who are carrying the load at center during Quaintance’s recovery.
“Right now, during two-a-days and long practices, those two don’t get a single rep off,” Pope said at SEC Tipoff ’26. “They’re pushing each other every day. It’s a fistfight, and they’re both getting better because of it. It’s fun to watch.”
Garrison Embracing Leadership Role
Now in his junior season, Garrison is expected to step into the starting center role vacated by Amari Williams. He showed flashes of his potential last season but struggled with consistency. With 35 games in a Kentucky jersey and 67 total in his college career (including time at Oklahoma State), he’s expected to provide stability and leadership this season.
“In our most recent scrimmage, Brandon was the fastest guy up and down the floor on every possession,” Pope said. “He’s in incredible shape and taking full advantage of every opportunity right now.”
Moreno Impressing Early as a Freshman
Meanwhile, Moreno has made an immediate impact. In live five-on-five action during practice, he’s shooting over 80 percent from the field and dominating on the glass. His defensive instincts and ability to protect the rim beyond his area have also caught Pope’s attention.
“He does things on the floor that make you shake your head,” Pope said. “He’s been incredibly impactful — far beyond what we expected at this stage.”
His teammates agree.
Preseason SEC Player of the Year Otega Oweh praised Moreno’s size, strength, and efficiency: “Malachi is a beast down low. He’s put on a lot of muscle since arriving, and that’s made him even more physical. He’s been super efficient.”
National champion transfer Denzel Aberdeen echoed that sentiment:
“He’s been great in practice. He competes every day. He’s big, poised, and plays hard — plus, he’s my best friend off the court.”
Looking Ahead
While the Wildcats anticipate Quaintance’s return to headline the frontcourt later in the season, the early signs are promising. With Garrison stepping into a leadership role and Moreno emerging as a high-impact freshman, Kentucky has plenty of depth and firepower to hold the line until their future NBA talent is ready.
