Malachi Moreno has a simple but energetic request for Big Blue Nation heading into next season: make Rupp Arena loud every time Ousmane N’Diaye knocks down a three.
Drawing inspiration from the way Kentucky fans rallied behind Otega Oweh last season with the iconic in-arena chants, Moreno is already thinking about how to help create a new signature moment inside Rupp Arena. This time, the spotlight is on Kentucky’s newest international addition, N’Diaye.
Whenever N’Diaye connects from deep, Moreno wants the entire crowd to erupt with a unified “Ooze” chant — a nickname he believes fits the 7-footer’s smooth shooting stroke and growing confidence on the perimeter.
N’Diaye arrives in Lexington after a season in Italy’s top league, where he showed real willingness to stretch the floor. He attempted over 140 three-pointers and knocked them down at a solid rate, giving Kentucky another big man who can pull defenses away from the paint.
That type of skill set fits neatly into Mark Pope’s system, which prioritizes spacing, movement, and offensive versatility. If N’Diaye’s shooting translates to the college level, he could become a unique weapon in Kentucky’s frontcourt rotation.
Early impressions from teammates have been encouraging. Reece Potter has pointed to how quickly he’s adjusted and how his length impacts both ends of the floor, while Mason Williams has highlighted his confidence as a shooter and the way he can heat up quickly when given space.
For Moreno, the idea is about more than just a nickname. It’s about creating a moment fans can latch onto — a simple, repeatable reaction that turns made threes into full-arena energy. If it catches on, “Ooze” might become one of those Rupp Arena traditions that sticks.
