Malachi Moreno skips NBA Combine scrimmages; reportedly has strong chance of being first-round pick

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 10: Malachi Moreno #24 of the Kentucky Wildcats looks up during the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Rupp Arena on January 10, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s looking more and more like Kentucky Basketball freshman Malachi Moreno could remain in the 2026 NBA Draft. On Monday, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that Moreno will not take part in this week’s NBA Combine 5-on-5 scrimmages. That’s usually a sign that a player likes where his NBA stock is and doesn’t want to risk damaging it in scrimmages.

In addition, O’Connor now says there’s a “ pretty strong chance ” Moreno would be drafted in the first round this year. Between this development and the surprise addition of Washington center Franck Kepnang , it’s safe to think there’s now a very real chance Moreno is staying in the draft, which would be a brutal development for Mark Pope and his rebuilt roster, which was banking heavily on the Great Crossing product manning the 5 spot. While Kepnang is a suitable big man when healthy, he’s missed far too many games in his college career to count on him staying healthy for the duration of next season.

In other words, if Moreno stays in the draft, then Kentucky will be in desperate need of another big man, and there aren’t exactly many good options available at this point. Malachi Moreno ranks 30th on my board and is one of the clear risers in the pre-draft process. For more, check out my NBA Draft Guide: https://t.

co/4VQIujQ7RF pic. twitter. com/80BwNMVDrn — Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 11, 2026 Add us to your Preferred Sources on Google to get even more Kentucky Wildcats content!