It’s been a heck of a week for Malachi Moreno — or a couple of weeks, rather. The future Wildcat was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball back on March 16, then followed that up by leading Great Crossing to a state championship at Rupp Arena on March 29.
“It was a privilege and honor to just be in that kind of name with the history it’s had, you know? It’s always the best player in the state of Kentucky that wins it. Once I heard my name called, it was truly a blessing,” Moreno said of earning Mr. Basketball honors in an interview with KSR on Friday.
“We wanted to go out with a bang, and I don’t think there’s a bigger bang than becoming a state champion in the state of Kentucky,” he added of cutting down the nets at Rupp.
Most kids would take that opportunity to kick their legs up and relax for a bit, celebrating the ultimate team achievement after working all year to get to that point. Moreno isn’t like most kids, though. Instead, the future Wildcat had to rush home and pack his bags to head to New York first thing in the morning.
He had a McDonald’s All-American Game to play in.
“We had our police escort back to the school, a little hoopla at the school just to celebrate our win. Then I had to go home and immediately start packing because I flew out at 6 AM the next morning,” Moreno said. “I was able to talk with the staff at McDonald’s (All-America) and they gave me the opportunity to stay at home and win the state championship — because I’m always team over myself. I wanted to win that state championship before I went to New York, and they allowed me to do that. I was extremely grateful.”
He went for 21 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks in the KHSAA Sweet 16 state title game. From there, he went for nine points, five rebounds, two blocks and an assist as a Burger Boy.
Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.
His high school career is coming to a close after a few more all-star events. From there, he’ll turn his attention toward college, moving into his dorm and starting his days as a Wildcat in June just two months from now.
To say he’s excited to play for Mark Pope wearing the blue and white would be an understatement.
“I would definitely say just the system he has. I mean, coming into the job, a lot of people were very doubtful (of Pope), but he came in and he was ready to work from day one. The season kind of speaks for itself,” Moreno told KSR. “They were ranked inside the top 10 for a really long time, injury riddled and still producing the same. I think that really shows the type of coach he is. That makes me really excited, just because he’s a coach that never gives up.
“He’s always fighting until the end and against the odds. That’s something I always play for, because I play to win. He’s going to be a great coach to play for.”
Any early advice Pope has given his future center as he prepares to get to Lexington?
“Kind of just to play with confidence, kind of the way Amari Williams played. He puts a lot of trust in his five man, and he told me he has a lot of trust in me. He’s excited for me to get on campus and just to play with confidence, just to play for the name on the front and prosper for the name on the back.”
While his future coach gives him advice on the next steps of his career, Moreno was doing the same in New York, recruiting one final piece to join him at Kentucky. He teamed up with five-star recruit Nate Ament, who is considering the Wildcats with a decision on the horizon.
What was his pitch?
“We definitely had a couple conversations,” Moreno told KSR. “But, I mean, at the end of the day, it’s his decision. It’s about where he wants to find the best fit for himself. Hopefully it’s in the big blue.”
Either way, Kentucky sure is happy to have Malachi Moreno on its side in 2025-26.
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