Overview
- Moreno confirmed late Sunday that he has withdrawn from the 2026 NBA Draft and will return to Kentucky for his sophomore season.
- The 6-foot-11 center started 30 of 36 games as a freshman, averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, and earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
- He tested the pro process at the NBA Draft Combine and in workouts with multiple teams, but most mock drafts placed him in the late second round and that projection helped drive his decision to return.
- Coach Mark Pope had identified Moreno as his top offseason priority and said the return stabilizes Kentucky's frontcourt by providing rim protection, rebounding and lineup continuity.
- Moreno’s return highlights the tradeoffs faced by borderline prospects who weigh second-round draft uncertainty and immediate pro pay against another college year to develop, and observers will watch transfer target Milan Momcilovic’s decision before the May 27 deadline.