He improved and was better than expected. Definitely not the “project” some predicted. But, he did seem to fade a bit late in the season. He needs to get stronger and just keep that upper trajectory regarding his basketball skills and knowledge.
Moreno withdraws from draft, back to Kentucky
- Thread starter anon-ymous
- Start date
Something about the roster (especially if he add Momcilovic) reminds me WAY MORE of Pope's first year... significantly better balance of perimeter threats but potentially weaker on the boards. However, the one piece that is a ? to me will be defense...
Compared to 2025 roster
PG: Diallo/Morton/Williams vs Lamont Butler/Kriisa/Jax/Perry; 2025 is WAY better with healthy Butler, but this position was injured so much, if the 2027 tandem stays healthy, it has a chance to be better over the course of the season
SG - Wilkins vs Oweh??? Otega clearly stronger, but was not always good on the ball
SF - Mom/Kam/Hawthorne vs Jax/Brea - Kam is better than Jax, Mom = Brea, Hawthorne complete unknown
PF - McBride/N'Diaye vs Carr/Almonor;
C - MM/Kepnang vs Amari/BG; I think 2027 tandem will be better both defensively and on the boards
So, overall, it may be somewhat similar to the 2025 roster in both strengths/weaknesses. The other thing that I don't see for the 2027 roster is an offensive post presence as good as a healthy Carr was in 2025. Maybe Moreno can provide that?
Reminds me more of 2012 and 2015. All the pieces are in place and we could be looking at a historic season. CBB you've been warned.
I was impressed with his effort, Moreno battled under the basket against mostly older SEC big men. We have to give him some help from the forward spots.
What's the point of that nonsense?
If you have nothing better to do than bounce around making stupid comments trying to incite irritation on a message board, I feel sorry for you.
MM was a must. I don’t think there was another big that Pope could pull in at the last minute. I may be in the minority but I think Kam in year 2 will be as good as Mom. Mom would just provide options that allow UK to be a top 10 offense.
But I’m not sure about the defense? Can our guards contain top tier guards? Is our Frontcourt strong enough to handle the SEC toughness?
But I’m not sure about the defense? Can our guards contain top tier guards? Is our Frontcourt strong enough to handle the SEC toughness?
Agree -
I am hoping that MM year 2 and Kepnang will be a significant upgrade for rim protection. I feel like McBride's lack of height/length will be a problem against opposing PFs, and N'Diaye is a total ? on defense. Ideally his length will help with rim protection as a help defender, but I'm concerned his thinner frame will cause him to be bullied in the paint.
I think the one area for potential improvement is if the Diallo & Wilkins can limit driving ability of opposing guards. IF that happens (which wouldn't take much to improve from the 2026 squad), the defense may be decent.
