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When Kentucky held its Pro Day in front of a packed house of NBA scouts, every star on the roster had a chance to shine. But by the end of the day, only one name was being passed around in every scout’s notebook — Malachi Moreno.
The 7-foot Wildcat wasn’t just good — he looked like he belonged in the league right now. From the moment drills began, Moreno showed a level of poise and polish that left even veteran evaluators stunned. His combination of length, mobility, and soft touch around the rim made him look like a player who’s been in a professional system for years.
One scout couldn’t hold back his praise:
“He just gets it. The footwork, the timing, the body control — that’s an NBA center in the making. You can tell he’s been coached the right way.”
Moreno’s dominance showed up in every phase — catching lobs, running the floor, and defending the paint with a calmness that screamed maturity. His defensive awareness stood out most, as he altered shots without fouling and communicated with teammates like a seasoned leader.
Mark Pope, who’s been high on Moreno’s development since day one, said it best: “He’s bought in. Malachi is starting to understand how good he can be, and when he plays with that confidence, he changes the whole dynamic of our team.”
What really caught scouts off guard was how comfortable Moreno looked stretching the floor. His midrange jumper was smooth, his release confident, and his touch consistent — a skill that could make him a modern big man nightmare.
By the time the scrimmages wrapped up, the talk wasn’t about Kentucky’s five-star guards or the explosive wings. It was about the 7-footer who made everything look effortless.
As one scout summed it up walking out of the gym:
“He’s ready. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow — but soon. You can just tell.”
And that’s the kind of statement Kentucky fans love to hear — because when NBA scouts can’t stop talking about you, it’s usually the beginning of something special.
