Kentucky sophomore center Malachi Moreno is heading into his second season with something to prove.
After starting 30 games as a freshman and averaging 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, Moreno established himself as an important part of Mark Pope’s frontcourt. His 7-foot frame gave Kentucky a valuable presence inside, and his game-winning shot against LSU became one of the defining moments of his freshman campaign.
But Moreno isn’t satisfied with how his first season unfolded.
Speaking at Kentucky’s Media Day, the sophomore was brutally honest about his freshman year and acknowledged that he expects much more from himself this time around.
“Last year was a disappointment, we let down a lot of people, especially me,” Moreno said. “I need to put on a lot of muscle, get quicker…and move with the pace of the game.”
That mindset has helped shape Moreno’s offseason.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has challenged the young center to become stronger, quicker and more complete. However, getting Moreno to buy into those expectations wasn’t always easy.
Pope previously revealed that he and Moreno were “butting heads” during the first month of the offseason. Moreno admitted that he was initially stubborn and felt restricted by some of the demands being placed on him.
“I was real stubborn,” Moreno said. “I felt like I was in a box.”
Eventually, a conversation involving Pope, Moreno and his older brother helped change his perspective.
From that point forward, Moreno said he never looked back.
That change in mentality could be just as important as any physical improvement. Kentucky needs Moreno to become more consistent, more physical and more comfortable playing at the pace Pope expects.
The talent is already evident.
Moreno possesses the size and skill to become a major factor in the SEC, and another year of experience should help him play with greater confidence. If his offseason development translates to the court, Kentucky could have one of the league’s most intriguing young big men.
Pope clearly believes there is another level waiting to be unlocked.
Now Moreno appears ready to find it.
His sophomore season will provide the perfect opportunity to show that his freshman year was only the beginning—and that the disappointment he felt last season can fuel a much different outcome this time around.
