Mark Pope and the Kentucky coaching staff are staying active on the recruiting trail for the 2027 class, but the Wildcats’ biggest offseason win may ultimately come from Malachi Moreno’s NBA Draft decision.
Big Blue Nation is anxiously waiting to see whether Moreno will return to Kentucky or remain in the 2026 NBA Draft. The decision could have a major impact on expectations for next season and on how fans view Pope heading into another important year in Lexington.
Speculation intensified Tuesday after Moreno posted a mysterious tweet featuring only two eye emojis.
The post immediately caught the attention of BBN because it was Moreno’s first original tweet since March. Fans quickly began wondering if the Kentucky native was teasing a major announcement about his future.
Moreno recently took part in the GSL Sports Group Pro Day in Los Angeles in front of scouts from all 30 NBA teams. He has already worked out for the New York Knicks and reportedly held meetings with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. More workouts are expected later this week.
Mock drafts continue to vary on where Moreno could land. Some projections place him late in the first round, including one mock draft sending him to the Atlanta Hawks with the 23rd overall pick. Others project him as an early second-round selection.
Regardless of where he is selected, Moreno is widely expected to hear his name called if he stays in the draft.
Now the focus shifts to whether the Kentucky standout believes this is the right moment to begin his NBA career or return to Lexington for another season.
A final decision is expected soon, and BBN continues to wait closely for any hint about Moreno’s future.
