Malachi Moreno Emerges as Top NBA Draft Prospect for 2027

Malachi Moreno, a standout player for the Kentucky Wildcats, is making waves as he prepares for the upcoming college basketball season. After a promising freshman year, he is now being touted as a potential lottery pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, marking a significant shift for the program under head coach Mark Pope.

According to a recent ranking by Sports Illustrated's Derek Parker, Moreno is listed as the third-best returning college player from the 2026 NBA Draft class. This recognition comes after he averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game in just over 22 minutes of play during his first season, showcasing his versatility on the court.

Despite testing the waters for the 2026 Draft and generating first-round interest, Moreno opted to remain with Kentucky to further develop his skills. His decision could pay off, especially with projections indicating a weaker draft class in 2027, which could enhance his chances of being selected early.

In ESPN's latest mock draft, Moreno is positioned 31st overall, while another Wildcat, Milan Momcilovic, is ranked 39th. Momcilovic, a transfer from Iowa State, had an impressive shooting season, hitting over 50% from the field and nearly 49% from three-point range.

CBS Sports has Moreno slightly higher, predicting he could go 18th overall to the Memphis Grizzlies, with Momcilovic also making the first round at 27th to the New York Knicks. As the 2026-27 season approaches, both players are set to be key figures for Kentucky, with hopes that their success could signal a return to championship contention for the storied program.