In a significant recruiting coup, the Kentucky Wildcats have secured the commitment of highly-touted four-star center, Malachi Moreno, for their 2025 class. Moreno, a native of Georgetown, Kentucky, is ranked as the No. 36 recruit in his class by ESPN and is set to become the first commitment under new head coach Mark Pope, who took over from John Calipari earlier this year.

Standing at an impressive 7 feet, Moreno brings a unique skill set to the Wildcats' roster. As one of the few true centers in his class, his signing highlights Kentucky's commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the paint, even in an era where many big men are embracing a "positionless" style of play.

Moreno's abilities on both ends of the court have earned him recognition as a highly sought-after prospect. Known for his scoring prowess in the post, Moreno exhibits exceptional footwork and the ability to finish with finesse. His shot-blocking instincts are particularly noteworthy, as he times his rejections with precision, waiting until the offensive player releases the ball. Additionally, Moreno's dedication to rebounding, coupled with his excellent ability to keep the ball high for putbacks, further showcases his overall impact on the game.

Beyond his skills as a scorer and rim protector, Moreno also brings versatility to his game. He boasts passing vision from the high post and showcases his basketball IQ by executing plays effectively in the half court, including slipping screens. However, with room for improvement in his shooting, Moreno is determined to work on his touch and become an even more dynamic offensive force.

Moreno's commitment announcement took place at Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, where he was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of 1,800 students. The decision to join Kentucky was heavily influenced by Coach Pope's coaching style, which emphasizes the inclusion of big men in the offensive game plan. The legacy of Kentucky's development of NBA-caliber big men, such as Nerlens Noel, Willie Cauley-Stein, Anthony Davis, and Nick Richards, was also a significant factor in Moreno's choice.

Expressing his excitement, Moreno stated, "Kentucky's campus is beautiful, and their fans are unparalleled. Watching their big men excel in the past has always been a dream of mine. Furthermore, I plan on studying education and becoming a teacher to give back to the next generation, just as my teachers have helped me throughout the years."

Coach Pope, a former Kentucky player who contributed to the Wildcats' 1996 national championship victory, is thrilled to have secured Moreno's commitment. Pope's playing style and understanding of the critical role played by big men on offense aligned perfectly with Moreno's aspirations and solidified his decision to join the Wildcats.

With Moreno's pledge, Kentucky bolsters its future prospects and adds a talented in-state standout who promises to make an immediate impact on the court. As Coach Pope continues to target other top-tier recruits, the Wildcats' 2025 class is poised to become one of the strongest in the nation, igniting anticipation among Kentucky basketball fans.