Kentucky basketball secured a significant addition to its 2025 class on Friday as four-star center Malachi Moreno announced his commitment to the Wildcats. The 6-foot-11, 230-pound standout from Great Crossing High School in Georgetown, Ky., becomes the first recruit to pledge to new head coach Mark Pope, who took over the program in April after John Calipari‘s departure.
Moreno, the top-ranked prospect in Kentucky according to On3 and 247Sports, chose the Wildcats over a host of prestigious programs, including Ohio State, North Carolina, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisville, and Iowa. His decision to stay close to home and play for Kentucky was heavily influenced by Pope’s coaching style and the legacy he brings to the program.
“I chose Kentucky because of Coach Pope’s playing style,” Moreno told ESPN. “He likes to play through their big men and allows them to pass. That’s a big part of my game. Since the day the new staff got the job, they have been very consistent in recruiting me.”
Pope, who was part of Kentucky’s 1995-96 national championship team under Rick Pitino, has deep ties to the program and knows what it takes to succeed in Lexington. Moreno acknowledged this connection as a factor in his decision, noting the unique opportunity to be coached by someone who has already won a national title with the Wildcats.
“I received an offer from (Calipari) and had to start over with Coach Pope,” Moreno added. “I had to earn my scholarship twice.”
With Moreno’s commitment, Pope has set the tone for his tenure at Kentucky, landing a premier in-state talent who could be a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ future success. As the first recruit of the Pope era, Moreno’s decision marks a promising start for Kentucky’s 2025 class, signaling the program’s continued strength and appeal under new leadership.
