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Malachi Moreno, The Future Kentucky Big Man

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Top 2025 center Malachi Moreno has committed to play for Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats.
UK Athletics

On Friday, March 28, the Kentucky Wildcats’ season ended after the Tennesee Volunteers routed them by double-digits in the Sweet Sixteen.

One of the main reasons the Wildcats lost that game was due to their poor rebounding, more specifically, their offensive rebounding. 

The Vols grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, doubling the amount Kentucky had. 

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Although Amari Williams did his part on the boards all year, averaging 8.5 rebounds per game, Kentucky will have to replace the center with another glass cleaner, who can also chip in offensively.

Lucky for Big Blue Nation, he’s already been replaced. 

Malachi Moreno, the 6-foot-11 center from Georgetown, Kentucky, committed to Head Coach Mark Pope and the University of Kentucky on Aug. 16, 2024. Ranking as the top player in the state for the class of 2025, and as a top three overall center in the country, Moreno showcased why he’s so highly regarded in this year’s KHSAA Sweet Sixteen tournament. 

He averaged 15.5 rebounds in Great Crossing’s four state tournament games this past week, to go along with 21 points per game and 4.3 blocks per game.

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Moreno helped Great Crossing win its first ever KHSAA Kentucky High School State Championship on March 29, where he tallied another double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds. He won the MVP award for the entire tournament.

With a true sign of character, he jumped into his school’s student section to celebrate a historical championship win in Lexington. 

The very next morning, he immediately jumped on a plane to attend the McDonald’s All-American Game alongside fellow Kentucky signee Jasper Johnson in Brooklyn, New York.

The big man followed up Travis Perry as the second straight UK signee to be named Kentucky Mr. Basketball and to win the state title before they touch the court as a Wildcat the following year.

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The young star was sought after by a number of schools, choosing the Wildcats over Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisville, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Ohio State. 

When he committed to the Wildcats, he was quoted comparing himself to Kentucky’s finest.

”I would probably compare myself to Anthony Davis or Karl Anthony-Towns,” said Moreno. “Those are some of the guys I try to model my game after.” 

Pope spoke highly of Moreno, and told UK Athletics why he fits the mold of a Kentucky superstar.

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”He has a ferocity around the rim in terms of ball protection and he is willing to engage physically,” said Pope. “He is going to grow into an elite-level shooter, and, more important than all of those incredible things, is that he gets a little teary-eyed when he walks into Rupp Arena because he knows what this place is.” 

Moreno later added on what it means to be a Wildcat.

“Growing up in Kentucky, you always wanted to put on that Kentucky uniform,” said Moreno. “Just being able to go there and wear ‘Kentucky’ across my chest means the world to me.”

When one door opens, another closes. Moreno, Great Crossing Head Coach Billy Hicks, and his team were forced to reflect on the journey they’ve experienced.

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”I mean, my goodness, six years of our program, to be able to celebrate a state title is absolutely an unbelievable accomplishment,” said Hicks. ”When I got this job, I was at Scott County Middle School before and both Malachi and Gage played for me when they were sixth graders.”

Moreno was asked about playing on Rupp Arena’s court once again, and if he had given any thought about being in a Wildcat jersey sooner, rather than later.

“It’s definitely a surreal moment,” said Moreno. “I wanted to end my high school career on this floor holding a big ole trophy. I know it wasn’t my last time on this floor, but it was my last time in a Great Crossing uniform.”

Quoting Kentucky’s Andrew Carr with a smile, Moreno jokingly said “Coach, you’re gonna have a hard time getting this jersey from me.”

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His high school career was nothing short of spectacular, breaking numerous school records such as most points in a single game and winning the school’s first ever championship.

Now, with his glory days behind him, Moreno will set foot inside of Rupp Arena very soon, but this time, as a Kentucky Wildcat. 

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Men's Basketball

Jaxson Robinson Still Pursuing NBA Opportunity After Going Undrafted

A late-season wrist injury derailed Robinson’s draft hopes, but the former Kentucky guard could still carve out a professional path.

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Chet White | UK Athletics

Injuries suck.

Nearly three days after the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, former Kentucky Wildcat Jaxson Robinson remains an undrafted free agent.

Robinson followed Mark Pope from BYU to Kentucky, but his 2024-25 season ended prematurely after he sustained a wrist injury that ultimately required surgery in early March.

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The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for both Robinson and the Wildcats. In 24 games, he averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 28.1 minutes per game. He shot 46.2% from the field and 45.7% from 3-point range in SEC play.

Simply put, he was hooping.

Big Blue Nation will always wonder “what if” when it comes to Robinson’s health entering the NCAA Tournament — and what Kentucky missed in his absence. The same goes for Robinson. What if he had been able to play a key role in a deep March run? What would that have done for his draft stock? Could he have become a star?

We’ll never know. But one thing is certain: injuries suck.

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Whoever decides to take a chance on Robinson will be getting a high-level shooter with a 7-foot wingspan and solid athleticism. He first earned attention from NBA scouts as the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year at BYU. That season, he also received honorable mention All-Big 12 honors, averaging 14.2 points per game off the bench and helping BYU reach the NCAA Tournament.

Before transferring to BYU in 2022, Robinson began his college career at Texas A&M, where he played in 14 games as a true freshman and averaged 2.6 points. He then transferred to Arkansas, appearing in 16 games with four starts and averaging 3.4 points per game.

Despite his experience and talent, the veteran guard remains on the market. He won’t be joining Koby Brea and Amari Williams as Kentucky’s selections in the 2025 NBA Draft, but he could still find his place in the league, possibly joining fellow undrafted teammates Lamont Butler (Atlanta Hawks) and Andrew Carr (Portland Trail Blazers), who have already signed deals.

Had it not been for his late-season wrist injury, it’s likely Robinson would have heard his name called on draft night.

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But life works in mysterious ways. And who knows — maybe this is a blessing in disguise for the beginning of Robinson’s professional career.

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Men's Basketball

Amari Williams Selected No. 46 by the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Draft

Amari Williams is the second Kentucky player selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, as Boston takes the big man with their second round pick.

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Amari Williams is drafted by the Boston Celtics.
Wesley Hale | Imagn Images

Fan-favorite big man (and official Weetabix sponsor) Amari Williams has officially made it to the big leagues, taken by the Boston Celtics with the 46th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, via a trade with the Orlando Magic.

The selection makes Williams the second Wildcat to be scooped up from this year’s pool, following Koby Brea being picked by the Phoenix Suns just five picks earlier at the 41st spot. From Mark Pope’s first Kentucky team, two transfer athletes (thus far) in their last year of eligibility have achieved next-level dreams by way of the blue and white.

Williams, who averaged 11 points, nine rebounds, and three assists per game during his lone season in Lexington, will look to aid Boston in filling their recently vacant five-spot, left by the recently traded Kristaps Porzingis.

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As Wildcat fans surely know, not only can Williams battle with the best of them in the paint, but he can run the floor as efficiently as just about any guard, too. His versatility and sizable frame ensure a high ceiling in the NBA and, despite not every draft board seeing him selected, the league champions two years removed made the call when it mattered.

Hailing overseas from Nottingham, England, and spending his first four years of college basketball at the University of Drexel, Williams’ success is a testament not only to Kentucky Basketball’s immaculate tradition, but to his own incredible work ethic and intangible ability.

Cats fans will be sure to follow and support their point-center to the next level, as they always do. Go be great, Amari – all of BBN has your back.

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Men's Basketball

Koby Brea Selected No. 41 by the Phoenix Suns in the 2025 NBA Draft

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Tristan Pharis | KY Insider

Koby Brea arrived at Kentucky last season as one of the nation’s deadliest shooters, lived up to the billing, and reaped his rewards on Thursday night at the NBA Draft. The former Kentucky star is heading to the Phoenix Suns with the No. 41 overall pick

As a 6-foot-7 wing, Brea entered the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the most experienced prospects after spending four years at Dayton and a fifth at Kentucky during Mark Pope’s successful first season as head coach, where he became one of the best three-point shooters in all of college basketball.

Last season at Kentucky, the Bronx native averaged 11.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc on nearly six attempts per game in 36 games, 16 of which were starts, showcasing his scoring ability in transition, off the catch, and via handoffs and screens.

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Not only did Brea achieve his own dreams of playing at the next level, but becomes a piece of history for Pope, becoming the first player drafted out of Kentucky during the Pope era.

Brea joins a rebuilding franchise with a notorious background for drafting Kentucky guards. Eric Bledsoe rings the bell, Tyler Ulis of course, and the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, Devin Booker obviously leads the pack.

Go be great Fuego!

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