“NBA Talent in the Making?” Mark Pope Pours High Praise on Kentucky Freshman Malachi Moreno
As Kentucky gears up for a new era under head coach Mark Pope, one freshman is already turning heads and he hasn’t even played a college game yet.
Enter Malachi Moreno, the 7-foot shot-blocking force from Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Kentucky. He’s not just any freshman. According to Pope, he’s a potential future NBA talent and a player who could be thrust into action right away.
“Malachi Moreno is gonna be fun,” Pope said during a recent press conference. “We’re gonna have a lot of fun with him. He’s so young and he’s so capable. From him, we’re gonna see moments where it’s like he should be in the NBA right now, and we’re gonna see moments where we feel like, I’m not sure Malachi knows exactly what he’s doing. And we’re going to see both of those, and that’s what growth is.”
A High Ceiling — and Possibly a Fast Track to Playing Time
While most incoming big men are expected to bide their time behind veterans, Moreno might not have that luxury. With Jayden Quaintance the elite Arizona State transfer still recovering from offseason knee surgery, the door is open for Moreno to earn immediate minutes, maybe even in the starting lineup when the season tips off in early November.
“Timing could work in Moreno’s favor,” Pope hinted, noting that Moreno will get a lot of looks in the early part of the season. And if he performs? The freshman might never give that spot back.
A Loaded Frontcourt, but an Opportunity to Shine
Kentucky’s frontcourt depth chart features returning contributors and new faces alike: Brandon Garrison, Mo Dioubate, Reece Potter, and eventually Andrija Jelavic, who is still finalizing his arrival in Lexington. But make no mistake Pope sees something special in Moreno that sets him apart.
The coaching staff is already hard at work developing Moreno’s skill set, conditioning, and feel for the game. His blend of size, athleticism, and instincts makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the SEC not just for the future, but perhaps right away.
Pope’s Message: Embrace the Journey
Pope knows there will be growing pains. He expects them. But that’s what excites him.
“We’re going to get moments from Malachi where people in the stands will be like, ‘Oh my goodness, he’s a lottery pick,’” Pope said. “And then he might make a play that reminds us he’s 17 years old. But that’s the process and we’re going to love every step of it.”
Kentucky Fans Should Take Notice
It’s not every day a freshman gets this kind of early praise especially under a coach who’s already coached pros and won at the highest levels. But Pope isn’t one to sugarcoat evaluations. If he says Moreno could flash NBA-level talent this season, Kentucky fans have every reason to pay close attention.
One thing is clear: the Malachi Moreno era at Kentucky is about to begin. And if the early signs are any indication, it could be something special.
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