Malachi Moreno works out with New York Knicks

Mar 7, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno (24) passes the ball during the first half against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

For players testing the NBA Draft waters while retaining their collegiate eligibility, the deadline to announce a return to school or stay in the Draft is May 27th. That’s three weeks from today.

Malachi Moreno is testing the NBA Draft waters, which was thought to be happening this Spring. While the feeling is that he’s going to return to Kentucky for the 2026-27 season, it’s still not a for-sure thing.

Recently, Moreno was an early second-round pick projection to the New York Knicks, going 31st overall. Moreno also worked out with the Knicks on Tuesday, including with national champion Elliot Cadeau from Michigan, according to Adam Zagoria.

Moreno is coming off a strong freshman season at Kentucky, starting 30 of the Wildcats’ 36 games. He averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds, while also blocking 53 shots and dishing out 64 assists.

In addition, Moreno shot 58.2 percent from the field and 69.8 percent from the free-throw line. It was his buzzer-beater at LSU in mid-January that likely saved the Cats’ season, a season that culminated with an All-SEC Freshman Team selection.

In high school at Great Crossing, Moreno was a McDonald’s All-American and Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball as a senior.