Malachi Moreno doesn’t arrive at Kentucky as just another recruit. He’s coming in as one of the most decorated in-state players in recent memory, and his résumé speaks for itself. As a senior at Great Crossing, the 7-foot center averaged 21.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, and 3.5 assists per game while leading the Warhawks to their first-ever Sweet 16 state championship. Those numbers earned him a spot in the McDonald’s All-American Game, Nike Hoop Summit, the Kentucky Boys All-Star roster, and an invite to Team USA’s U19 Training Camp.
It was at that camp where Mark Pope, coaching for Team USA, got a firsthand look at what Moreno could do against the best of the best.