The Kentucky Wildcats are putting the finishing touches on their 2026-2027 roster, but one of their own has the basketball world buzzing about a potential early departure. Malachi Moreno, a homegrown talent from Georgetown, KY, was widely expected to return to Lexington after testing the NBA Draft waters. However, the latest mock drafts suggest he might not be coming back at all.

In Jonathan Wasserman's recent mock draft for Bleacher Report, Moreno landed at No. 31 overall—just one spot shy of the first round—to the New York Knicks. His pro comparison? Former Wildcat standout Nick Richards, who dominated during his junior season in Lexington. For a 7-footer with Moreno's skill set, that's high praise and a clear signal that NBA teams are taking notice.

Wasserman believes Moreno's size alone could push him into the first round, especially as some players withdraw from the draft process in the coming weeks. "With NIL bringing back a handful of first-round guys, Malachi Moreno has a chance to capitalize on that during the draft process," Wasserman noted. "There is already enough intrigue around a 19-year-old, 7-footer with strong shot-blocking and passing metrics, plus some touch indicators. Certain teams would prefer to gamble on a freshman with Moreno’s tools, production, impact, and historically translatable/valued archetype, rather than a projected 23-year-old rookie in a shallow draft."

The scrimmages at the NBA combine will be a huge opportunity for Moreno to generate more first-round interest, Wasserman added. And that opportunity is now here: Moreno has been invited to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago next week. This is a massive stage for the young big man to showcase his size, athleticism, and versatility in front of NBA scouts, general managers, and decision-makers. The scrimmages will be televised, meaning Big Blue Nation and head coach Mark Pope will be watching closely to see if their 7-footer can turn that "almost first-round" projection into a reality.