“Mark Pope is Getting So Desperate”: Fans React as Malachi Moreno Makes Return to Kentucky

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Malachi Moreno and Mark Pope © Imagn, @malachi.moreno on Instagram

Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats retain center Malachi Moreno for another season. The former four-star recruit had declared for the 2026 NBA draft after his freshman campaign.

On Sunday, On3 shared a post stating that Moreno has withdrawn his name from the draft to return for another year with the Wildcats.

“NEW: Kentucky center Malachi Moreno has announced he will withdraw from the NBA draft and return to Lexington,” the caption read.


Social media started flooding with different reactions to the center’s decision.

“Mark Pope’s getting so desperate he’s asking players to not get drafted,” one fan commented.

“Big decision, but it shows confidence in his game and development path. Kentucky getting him back isn’t just about talent, it’s about adding experience and maturity for a serious run next season,” another fan said.

“Man, all the other fanbases chiming in, is proof enough how big a get this is for Pope,” a fan wrote.

“His agent did a great job making people think he was good,” another fan said.

“Was never going to go first round take the NIL $ instead,” one fan wrote.

“Nice one, great find! Good on him for pulling out and heading back to sharpen his game. Keen to see him in Lexington next season- what role do you reckon he’ll play?” a fan commented.

Coming out of high school, Malachi Moreno had offers from programs like North Carolina, Indiana and Ohio State. However, he decided to sign with Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats.

Initially, he was expected to play behind Brandon Garrison and Jayden Quaintance. However, Moreno proved himself and earned a post in the starting roster. In 36 games, he averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

Mark Pope shares his expectations for Malachi Moreno​

Before the decision to withdraw his name, there were a lot of questions about whether Malachi Moreno would be a one-and-done player for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Earlier this month, Mark Pope came forward to answer a question from a fan, stating that they expect the center to end up with them for another season.

“Malachi Moreno was the number one priority for us going into this portal season,” Pope said, per an article by Zack Geoghegan. “We think that he’s going to be the best center in all of college basketball next year here at Kentucky.

“This is a place where basketball dreams come true, and Malachi has two dreams. He’s dreaming of hanging a banner at Kentucky, and he’s dreaming of playing in the NBA, and so we’re supporting him, chasing both of those.”

Last season, Kentucky finished with a 22-14 (10-8 SEC) record. They qualified for March Madness, but were eliminated by Iowa State in the second round.

Read More: ‘We the Laughing Stock’: Fans Left Unimpressed As Mark Pope Makes Bold Claim About Kentucky’s Brand

Also Read: Tyran Stokes Pursuit Led Mark Pope to Miss Out on Key Prospects, Insider Claims

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball,tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!

Continue reading...