Malachi Moreno

Name: Malachi Moreno

Age: 19

Birth Date: October 24th, 2006

Height: 7’0”

Weight: 250 lbs

College: University of Kentucky

Class: Freshman

Position: Center

NBA Player Comparison: Willie Cauley-Stein / Robert Williams III

Strength:

• Elite Defensive Versatility: Highly disciplined defender who can credibly guard positions 1–5. Excels both on and off the ball, staying in front of guards, forwards, and bigs without fouling. Maintains strong positioning and rarely bites on hesitations or shot fakes.

• Interior Presence: Strong paint defender with good rim-protection instincts and shot-blocking ability. Maintains verticality and shows consistent awareness in help situations.

• High Defensive IQ: Communicates constantly, directing teammates through actions, screens, and time-outs. Shows strong pick-and-roll intelligence and anticipates actions well.

• Rebounding Fundamentals: Boxes out effectively and secures rebounds on both ends. Provides value as a putback finisher.

• Playmaking for a Big: Displays above-average vision and passing touch for his position. Makes extra passes, hits cutters, runs dribble-handoffs smoothly, and shows solid decision-making from the post.

• Physical Tools & Hustle: Lob threat with good effort plays—dives for loose balls, sets strong screens, and operates with consistent energy.

• Intangibles: High basketball IQ, strong communicator, positive teammate, and respected locker-room presence.

  
  

Weakness:

• Shooting Limitations: Shot form is unconventional and may not translate smoothly to higher levels. Currently lacks a reliable mid-range jumper or three-point shot, limiting scoring versatility.

• Offensive Ceiling: Aside from playmaking and finishing around the rim, scoring impact is limited; developing a consistent jumper will be essential to expand his role.

Injury History:

No known injury history

Extra Notes:

Malachi Moreno is a 7’0” switchable big who can guard positions 1–5 and excels as a disciplined, high-IQ defender. Offensively, he contributes efficiently around the rim and is a reliable passer, though his midrange and outside shooting is limited. A team-first player with hustle, smart positioning, and rim protection, he projects as a late second-round pick or a developmental prospect in the NBA G League.