“I coming to win banners”: No. 1 center Malachi Moreno reveals bold intentions as he commits to Mark Pope’s Kentucky

Kentucky basketball has secured a significant commitment with Malachi Moreno, the nation’s top-ranked center in the 2025 class, according to On3. A top-25 national prospect, Moreno had his pick from a list of elite programs, including Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisville, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.

Moreno’s decision to join Mark Pope’s Wildcats sets the stage for a new era in Kentucky basketball.

"I'm coming to win banners. As long as I'm there, we're winning Banner's," he said.

He is rated as the No. 21 overall prospect and the best player in Kentucky, according to On3. His decision to join the Wildcats was driven by a strong connection to the program and its proximity to home.

"I’m going to the Big Blue because I felt it was the right fit for me," Moreno added. "There’s no better place than home."

A lifelong fan of the Wildcats, Malachi Moreno's passion for Kentucky basketball runs deep.

"Growing up 20 minutes away, I watched every game," he said via On3. "Their success made me want to play there. Now, that dream is a reality." He emphasized that his goal is clear: "I'm coming to win banners. As long as I'm there, we're winning banners."

Coach Pope made it clear that he plans to develop Moreno into an NBA-ready player.

"He knows how to coach me, and I fit his system the best," Moreno said. "He’s going to turn me into a ‘freaking monster’ that no NBA team will want to pass on."

Malachi Moreno becomes the first commitment for Kentucky in 2025

Moreno is not just focused on his future with the Wildcats but also on helping build a championship team by recruiting other top talents.

“I’m going to keep my recruiting efforts quiet, so no one realizes I’m the best recruiter in the country,” Moreno told KSR. “The goal is to bring in players who believe in the system and are committed to winning championships.”

Malachi Moreno was drawn to Kentucky by its unparalleled program, which he believes stands above all others in college basketball.

“How could you not want to play here? The fans, the facilities, everything is top-notch,” he added.

Moreno was a member of the Great Crossing Warhawks squad that advanced to the Sweet 16 state tournament for the first time in the school's five-year history last season.

Moreno averaged 16 points and 13 rebounds per game heading into the Sweet 16. Moreover, he added 24 points and 19 rebounds in an opening win over Spencer County and 16 points and 15 rebounds over Magoffin County in a quarterfinal victory.