After declaring for the 2026 NBA draft as an early entrant, freshman big man Malachi Moreno is withdrawing from consideration and returning to Kentucky for his sophomore season, Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 reports (via Twitter).
Moreno is a 19-year-old center who averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game this season for the Wildcats. He stood out as a strong offensive rebounding prospect with intriguing play-making and solid rim protection, though he struggled at times to finish at the rim.
Measuring over 6’11.25″ barefoot with a 9’3.5″ standing reach and weighing nearly 243 pounds, Moreno has very good size for a big man, and he moves well despite not being the most explosive athlete. He was ranked 47th on ESPN’s big board.
Moreno’s return will help bolster Kentucky’s frontcourt for next season.
NCAA early entrants who are testing the draft waters have until the end of the day on May 27 to withdraw their names if they want to retain their college eligibility. The full list of early entrants can be found right here.