Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno announced Sunday on social media that he is withdrawing from the 2026 NBA Draft to return to Lexington for another season.
The decision comes ahead of the May 27 NCAA draft withdrawal deadline, securing a vital piece for head coach Mark Pope.
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Moreno, a Georgetown, Kentucky native, originally entered the draft process to test the waters and generated first-round projection buzz.
A CBS Sports mock draft had placed him as the 30th overall selection by the Dallas Mavericks.
During his freshman season, Moreno started 30 of 36 games, averaging 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
His return prevents a roster crisis for Kentucky, which has lost its five leading scorers from last season.
The Wildcats are also awaiting a decision from Iowa State transfer target Milan Momcilovic.
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Basketball analyst Jeff Goodman reported that nine out of ten NBA executives polled advised Moreno to return to school, while all ten recommended that Momcilovic stay in college.
CBS Sports analyst Adam Finkelstein noted that Dallas could be a likely suitor if Moreno's first-round buzz is real, given the Mavericks' front office values size and feel.
Financial factors also loom large for remaining transfer targets.
Financial projections highlighted the substantial NIL valuation required to secure elite talent, with 247Sports analyst Isaac Trotter suggesting Moreno could command around $6 million.
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Moreno will anchor a frontcourt that includes Washington transfer Frank Kepnang, while the Wildcats wait for Momcilovic to finalize the 2026-27 roster.
