Malachi Moreno Sends a Message: Kentucky’s Towering Freshman Becomes the First to Score at the Joe Craft Center During Summer Sessions… But It’s What Followed That Has Fans Buzzing
The summer grind is officially underway in Lexington, but it didn’t take long for one name to jump to the top of every coach’s radar—Malachi Moreno. The 7-foot freshman, one of Mark Pope’s most anticipated additions, has already turned heads by being the very first player to put points on the board at the Joe Craft Center as early team workouts began this week. But it’s not just the bucket that has fans talking—it’s what followed that’s creating shockwaves across Big Blue Nation.
Sources close to the program say Moreno didn’t just score—he dominated. In a closed scrimmage session among newcomers and returners, Moreno reportedly threw down a thunderous dunk that left teammates staring in disbelief and had coaches exchanging knowing glances. One insider even hinted that Pope paused practice briefly to acknowledge the moment, calling it “a glimpse of what’s to come.”
“Malachi’s motor, his footwork, and that soft touch around the rim—he’s way ahead of the curve,” a Kentucky staff member told insiders. “And if you think that first bucket was impressive, you haven’t seen anything yet.”
The buzz didn’t stop inside the gym. Word spread quickly on social media, with cryptic tweets from veteran players suggesting something major went down. “Big fella different fr ,” one returning Wildcat posted, fueling speculation about just how good Moreno could be.
For a team rebuilding under new leadership, moments like these matter. Kentucky fans, still adjusting to the post-Calipari era, are looking for new stars to rally behind—and Moreno may just be the one. With his size, poise, and clear hunger to make an immediate impact, the whispers are growing louder: could Moreno be the breakout big man of the 2024–25 season?
One scout who reportedly watched footage of the workout said, “He’s got shades of a young Anthony Davis—but more polished offensively at this stage.”
Too much hype too soon? Perhaps. But if early workouts are any indication, Malachi Moreno isn’t just making noise—he’s ready to shake the foundation of Kentucky basketball. And if the buzz is to be believed… this is only the beginning.
