LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky center Malachi Moreno has withdrawn his name from the 2026 NBA Draft and will come back for his sophomore season, according to Jeff Goodman of Field of 68.
The 19-year-old freshman declared as an early entrant in April but opted to retain his college eligibility ahead of the NCAA’s May 27 withdrawal deadline. Moreno averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 blocks in 2025-26 while emerging as one of the Wildcats’ top offensive rebounders and a steady rim protector.
Listed at more than 6-11¼ without shoes, with a 93.5-inch standing reach and a weight just under 243 pounds, the Indiana native combines size and mobility despite limited explosiveness. ESPN ranked him No. 47 on its draft board.
Moreno’s decision shores up Kentucky’s frontcourt for next season, giving head coach John Calipari an experienced interior presence as the Wildcats look to build on last year’s campaign.
Source: Hoops Rumors
