NBA draft prospect Malachi Moreno announces return to Kentucky
· Yahoo Sports
Kentucky center Malachi Moreno announced Sunday on social media that he will withdraw from the 2026 NBA draft and return to the Wildcats for his sophomore year.
Moreno was selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team this past season, averaging 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 blocks while shooting 58.2% from the field. He ranked fifth in the conference in blocks (53) and 10th in defensive box plus-minus (plus-4.2).
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The 7-footer registered three double-doubles, including an 18-point, 10-rebound performance on Nov. 7 in a win over Valparaiso. He led the Wildcats in rebounding 18 times throughout the season and in blocked shots in 17 games.
BBN, I’m home. Job’s isn’t finished.💙 pic.twitter.com/OvR7cSMZUw
— Malachi Moreno (@malachimoreno24) May 25, 2026
Moreno declared for the draft while maintaining his remaining college eligibility. He said in his announcement that he would return to Kentucky next season if he withdrew his name from consideration before the early entry deadline on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old was among the 70-plus prospects who competed in the draft combine earlier this month in Chicago, Illinois. He also worked out with several teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and New York Knicks.
Moreno was projected to be a late second-round pick, which likely factored into his decision to return to school. His return figures to be a significant addition for the Wildcats, who advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Kentucky news: Malachi Moreno announces 2026 NBA draft decision