The 2026 NBA Draft has only just concluded, but attention is already shifting toward next year’s class. For Kentucky fans, one Wildcat is already generating serious NBA buzz: sophomore center Malachi Moreno.
According to an early 2027 NBA mock draft by NBA draft analyst Sam Vecenie, Moreno is projected to be selected 11th overall, placing him firmly in lottery-pick territory.
That projection reflects the confidence many evaluators have in Moreno’s long-term potential. Standing 6-foot-11 with an impressive 9-foot-3.5 standing reach, the Kentucky big man possesses the size and defensive tools NBA teams covet. Vecenie praised Moreno’s ability as a rim protector while also highlighting one of his most unique strengths—his passing.
Rather than being a traditional back-to-the-basket center, Moreno has shown the ability to facilitate offense from the top of the key. His comfort handling the basketball and averaging 1.8 assists per game last season gives him versatility that fits the modern NBA.
While the upside is clear, scouts also believe there is room for growth. Moreno is expected to become stronger physically and play with more force around the basket. Improving his interior toughness could significantly raise his draft stock.
Vecenie compared Moreno’s potential to Isaiah Hartenstein, noting that he has the foundation to become the type of skilled, two-way center NBA franchises continue to value.
Moreno explored the NBA Draft process earlier this year before deciding to withdraw and return to Kentucky for his sophomore season. With another year of development under Mark Pope, that decision could prove to be a major boost for his professional future.
The timing also works in Moreno’s favor. While the 2026 NBA Draft featured one of the deepest classes in recent memory, the early outlook for the 2027 class is viewed as less crowded, potentially giving Moreno an even better opportunity to climb draft boards with a strong season.
Another area Kentucky fans will be watching closely is his perimeter shooting. During offseason workouts with the Los Angeles Lakers, Moreno was seen taking three-point shots, fueling speculation that he is expanding his offensive game. If he becomes a reliable outside shooter, he could evolve into an even more complete modern center.
Last season, Moreno exceeded expectations by earning the starting center role as a true freshman, starting 30 of Kentucky’s 36 games. He quickly established himself as one of the Wildcats’ most dependable players while gaining valuable experience against high-level competition.
A Georgetown, Kentucky native and lifelong Wildcats fan, Moreno has spent years watching Kentucky players achieve their NBA dreams. After seeing teammates Jayden Quaintance and Otega Oweh hear their names called in the 2026 NBA Draft, he now has the opportunity to follow that same path.
If Moreno continues developing his strength, versatility, and outside shooting during the 2026-27 season, the early projections suggest he could hear his name called early on draft night—and potentially become Kentucky’s next NBA lottery pick.
