Malachi Moreno Understands He Has to Keep Learning, Improving

Malachi Moreno works on his shooting with UK assistant coach Mark Fox. (UK Athletics Photo)

Malachi Moreno seldom played against anyone as tall as himself but now the 7-foot University of Kentucky freshman is practicing against players not only as tall as him but even stronger than him.

It has been a needed learning experience for the former Great Crossing standout who was Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball last season after leading his team to a state championship.

“It has definitely been a little different but it has been very beneficial going against the players I am in practice with,” said Moreno. “I have learned I have to be stronger, got to be more physical. I gotta learn to use my body to my advantage more because I have length on a lot of other people who may have physicality over me.

“You see Kevin Durant in the league (NBA) use his length to his advantage. I’ve got to have that kind of mindset to use what I have but also learn to be more physical.”

He’s not overwhelmed by being a local player playing for the Wildcats.

“There’s a standard here at Kentucky, and that’s to be the best and want to be the best. So being a local guy, I feel like growing up you kind of understand what the assignment is,” he said. “But it’s also new territory. We’re learning, and as long as we all have the same mindset of winning (national championship) number nine, I think we’re in really good shape.

“I got one goal and one goal only, and that’s to win number nine. Whether I play five minutes or 25 minutes, as long as we’re winning, I could care less. I grew up watching this program being 20 minutes down the road. Having this opportunity really is a dream come true.

Moreno knows he will have good days as well as bad days going against elite players in practice and then games. He knows continual growth is what he needs to maintain.

“It’s a new environment with so many great players here and the pace of play. Patience is a big key for me and just keeping my attitude really positive. I have to be a sponge and soak up everything I can,” the former Great Crossing standout said.

Moreno has a strong family support base. His older brother, Michael, was a basketball standout at Eastern Kentucky and has been a “big role model” for the UK freshman.

“I pray about things. God put me on this path to be at the University of Kentucky. If he can help me do that, he can help me do anything,” Moreno said.

Moreno averaged 21.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, 3.6 blocks and 3.5 assists per game last year. He was a McDonald’s All-American and consensus top 25 recruit.

Kentucky assistant coach Mikhail McLean says Moreno’s size and potential make him unique.

“He’s good at a whole bunch of stuff but we want him to be great at like one or two things this season,” McLean said. “He can rebound. He can defend. He’s good at everything. He’s developing a jump shot. He played with USA Basketball.

“It’s just a matter of him taking the momentum from high school season to USA Basketball this summer to our season and him learning all he can from Brandon (Garrison) and getting better every day.”