Malachi Moreno impresses Eastern Kentucky coach A.W. Hamilton both on and off the floor. (UK Athletics Photo)
Eastern Kentucky University coach A.W. Hamilton has had the inside track on Malachi Moreno since he was old enough to pick up a basketball.
Hamilton coached Moreno’s brother Michaal Moreno for four seasons at Eastern and was the first to offer Malachi a scholarship when he was indecisive about playing basketball. Hamilton has watched Malachi Moreno develop into the top player in the state during his prep career at Great Crossing and now at Kentucky.
“I remember when you know nobody thought he was going to play basketball,” Hamilton said. “To see where he is now, it’s pretty cool … I’ve watched him grow up from a kid all the way up to where he is now, and I’m just proud of him. I’m really proud of him.”
Hamilton added that Michael Moreno’s influence has been a plus on and off the court. Michael Moreno enjoyed a stellar career at EKU from 2019-24, playing in 161 games. He scored 1,631 points, grabbed 958 rebounds and 59 blocks while playing for the Colonels. Moreno played at Scott County High School and was a Kentucky Mr. Basketball finalist in 2019. Malachi claimed the state’s top honor six years later in 2025.
“I’m proud of what Michael’s been able to help him and how Michael’s been able to help him grow,” Hamilton said. “You can see Malachi maturing … I love what he does off the floor. He’s constantly in the community. He’s constantly signing autographs. He’s constantly doing things for young people. I couldn’t be more proud of Malachi.”
Hamilton hasn’t been surprised by Moreno’s growth, especially this summer as he tested the waters and entered the NBA Draft before opting to return for a second season with the Wildcats.
“I’ve just watched some clips of him this summer and I can tell that he’s really invested in his body,” Hamilton said. “I think that’ll pay off for him this year. I think he’ll be able to play through contact better. I think his numbers will improve. I think his rebounding efficiency will improve. He’s put himself in position to have a huge, huge season.”
Hamilton added that going through the draft process will only help Malachi this season and beyond.
“I think it clears your mind and it gives you an idea what you need to do, what you need to improve on, and I think it also helps them understand how much they’ve got to invest in their bodies to get ready to play in the NBA,” he said. “It was a smart thing for him to do and it’ll pay off for him in the long run.”
9 Responses
I hope Moreno has toughed up some. Last year he got out nastied under the basket.
You got to remember he was just a freshman and wasn't ready for the physical SEC play. Now he has bulk his body up and will improve in all areas of his game. This group will be tough all around I've seen pictures of the players that got muscles to there bodies something we haven't had in recent years
That doesn't change the accuracy of my statement, which was just a statement of fact. I guess you didn't play on even a high school team. The coaches would have ripped your delicate sense of reality to pieces. I hate that it offends you SO MUCH; maybe you need to try and toughen up a little bit. Being a Kentucky basketball fan is not for the weak of heart.
Barry what the hell your talking about, I know your mister know it all. It was no offended at all in your statement. I just gave my two cents of words
It tears you up when anyone is critical of a Kentucky team, even when it is an accurate assessment. You ALWAYS challenge anyone who does so. Just don't pay any attention to my posts, they just upset you. You act like you are the forum monitor. People can only post things that you like to hear. Rah Rah Rah!!!
Sounds like your the one that's offended. Rah rah rah. Let's cheer on the football team worry about the hoops later.
I will know Moreno has improved when he's averaging a double double. His hands were terrible last year and cost him 2-3 rebounds a game. He also needs to work on his footwork. Be a little more physical. He should be averaging at least 11-13 ppg 9-10 rpg 2 bpg 2-3apg if he averages around these numbers this year at more minutes per game. If say he plays anywhere from 25-27 minutes per game. He does good on not fouling too much for a big. He just needs to learn better angles. If he has improved it will show. He should have improved automatically from starting in year 1 and playing the most minutes at the 5 last year compared to anyone else on the team. I'm also interested in seeing what Brandon Garrison does at Alabama. He has 2 years left to play there so I can see him starting this year at the 4 for Alabama or maybe the 5. I can see him average about 8-10 ppg 6-7 rpg 1bpg. I do know this Moreno is better than Garrison and he should be noticeably better this year compared to last year. I do think BG is better at Alabama compared to Kentucky.
Careful Terry. 79 will not like you being critical of Moreno even though you are right with every comment. 79 thinks we should only say positive things about anything Kentucky. Assessing a player should speak of his skills, but also needs to address areas for improvement…as both you and I do. 79 wears rose colored glasses and thinks everything is just peachy all of the time…even in Calipari's last 6 years and Stoops last 2 years. 79's heart is in the right place, he just needs to get rid of the rose colored glasses and see things for what they are.
Barry, how often do you see a freshman comes in and can bang with the physical style of SEC play. That's what my point was nothing against what you said. Need read the fine print before being too sensitive. Have a great day
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