Jayden Quaintance, right, likes what he is seeing from freshman teammate Malachi Moreno. (UK Athletics Photo)
Jayden Quaintance’s return has rejuvenated the Kentucky fan base as coach Mark Pope’s team gets set to start Southeastern Conference play today at Alabama.
“I feel like we have one of the best big groups in the country. All three of us were all-Americans. Nobody else has that. I feel like we have a really good chance to be special, especially in the front court,” Quaintance said.
Freshman Malachi Moreno and junior Brandon Garrison shared minutes at center the first 11 games while Quaintance worked to come back from knee surgery just over a year ago after suffering an injury his freshman season at Arizona State.
“I feel like we push each other to be better. Getting everybody to talk more, getting everybody more physical, be more aggressive, be more assertive. Just be leaders like the front court is supposed to be,” the UK sophomore said. “I feel like everybody’s growing as leaders, and bringing that energy to the rest of the team to follow.”
Quaintance was one of the nation’s best freshmen defenders and shot blockers at Arizona State. He is expected to anchor UK’s defense now but he has been impressed with Moreno’s shot blocking ability.
“He’s not letting anything go. You could tell he just really wants to win. That’s a big part of defense and he’s super competitive as well,” Quaintance said.
The Arizona State transfer, a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA draft, has watched Moreno steadily improve his aggressiveness and confidence over the last few months.
“I feel like he’s been growing as you do. It’s his freshman year, so just growing on the college stage, getting more confident, getting more assertive. I feel like that’s been the biggest thing for him since I got here,” Quaintance said.
5 Responses
Ok JQ, today is your chance to prove it!
Really?? Bama's bigs kicked out A$$es. Moreno apparently over-rated and can only make a dunk. Pope is not smart enough to start or even play Jelavic and Garrison continues to show he is wasted scholly.
I've said this for a long time. Jelavic should get Garrisons minutes. At least Jelavic has a great jump shot and can open things up a little bit. I think Jelavic and Garrison end up transferring. If I was Pope I would start Lowe/Oweh/Mo/JQ/Moreno then have Johnson/Chandler/Noah/Williams/Jelavic as the backups. With Aberdeen and Garrison the odd men out. Neither play with a winning spirit. It doesn't seem like Aberdeen cares if we win or lose. He came here for money and money only. He don't care if we lose as long as he shoots a couple air balls. It's almost like these players are betting against themself.
We would have the best bigs if Pope taught them how to be physical instead of finesse centers qnd power forwards. He tries to turn everyone into mark Pope in 1996. Who was a finesse center. Not a banger
Larry it’s been awhile since You have gave us Your take on what is happening and what will happen. It would be great if You could give us Your thoughts? Thanks Larry