(WKYT) – Kentucky center Malachi Moreno has withdrawn from the 2026 NBA draft and will return to the Wildcats for his sophomore season.
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) May 25, 2026
According to On3, Moreno canceled remaining workouts with NBA teams ahead of the May 27 withdrawal deadline and informed coach Mark Pope of his decision.
Moreno, an All-SEC Freshman Team selection, had been projected by some as a potential late first-round pick.
Moreno started 30 of 36 games as a freshman, averaging 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Moreno played in every game and shot 58.2 percent from the field.
He is a Kentucky native from Georgetown and was