Moreno testing NBA

Drogon

All-Conference
Mar 14, 2017
1,693
2,235
113
Longshot, but he could be an end of 1st round value pick for a franchise(Denver/Boston/Miami/OKC all fit) with a strong reputation for developing bigs or drafting high potential guys to develop in the G-Leage. This could definitely come in to play with a strong workout. Still, I expect he'll be back. Projecting future NBA rookie scale a pick from 27-30 is going to make somewhere around 2,4m-2,6m. An extra 1.5 million could talk to anyone though.
 

Noledynasty2490

All-American
Jul 31, 2022
4,288
7,832
113
Needs to develop a 15 foot jumper really badly.
 

Noledynasty2490

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UKBB4Ever

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2025
1,751
3,052
113
He won't be back. Why would he come back? He would be the same player at this time next year playing for this coaching staff. Players take less money to not play for Pope. Not the other way around.
 

JASUN74

All-Conference
May 22, 2008
3,146
4,500
73

He needs to text his butt in the weight room and work on his hands. It’s great for kids to dream big but sometimes they need people close to be honest. Get your tail to work and get better to play for Kentucky next year instead of trying to impress a scout, only for them to tell you the same thing. I really like his size and he has potential, until he works his tail off to become stronger and gets better hand eye coordination/hand strength, he’ll be the same player as last season. Get to work big guy.
 

JwUKFan11

Heisman
Nov 11, 2011
7,312
14,786
113
Actually a minimum of 6. Replace JQ, Oweh, Aberdeen, Lowe, BG, Johnson, Mo D. We have Mason Williams, so I'd predict 6 maybe 5 from the portal if Pope signs Chris Washington from 26' class.
If we’re relying on Kam and Jelavic again next season I might as well check out now.
 

Bluegrass79

Senior
May 4, 2006
398
556
61
And he didn't do anything last 10 games of the season and I think he just keeps us from getting a real center. Please stay in the Draft
 

HenryMuto

Heisman
Mar 31, 2012
20,603
13,905
113
Why is Kentucky cursed with players who always want to go to the NBA when they are not ready. It is truly amazing.
 

HipTer

Senior
Apr 11, 2012
973
669
93
He has to develop a mid range jumper to even be considered
You know, I actually think he's got one. He showed it in high school and he showed it at LSU. The problem is - and I know this sounds crazy - he has to catch and shoot without thinking or having too much time. If he sets up Moreno will shoot with the bad form of cocking the ball back behind his head. If he doesn't have time he actually shoots a decent looking shot in front of his head. I'd like to see somebody (maybe his brother) break that bad shot form this offseason.
 
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BlueBloodKyFan73

All-Conference
Oct 29, 2010
3,804
4,714
113
You know, I actually think he's got one. He showed it in high school and he showed it at LSU. The problem is - and I know this sounds crazy - he has to catch and shoot without thinking or having too much time. If he sets up Moreno will shoot with the bad form of cocking the ball back behind his head. If he doesn't have time he actually shoots a decent looking shot in front of his head. I'd like to see somebody (maybe his brother) break that bad shot form this offseason.
I don’t disagree he’s young
 
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Anon1751592624

Sophomore
Jul 3, 2025
74
133
33
Smart move to go through the process, get valuable feedback and get to work to improve. A win-win.

I'm excited to have him back at Kentucky next year. He wasn't supposed to be a starter this but was forced into it. I think he will be a star next year, and he loves UK and wants to be here ... another great thing.
 
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Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
41,498
63,339
113
why are we cursed with a fan base who still thinks these kids playing in college is their dream
If the NBA will seriously give you the process and feedback, you’d be crazy not to take that, so long as you can take that info back to your school. The question is this: can you maximize your off season by going through this process? 🤷‍♂️
 

etowncatfan

All-American
Jan 3, 2003
15,789
5,526
113
Put Moreno in last Nights Championship Game. He would have got killed. He has no business testing the waters. After next year maybe, but not this year IMO.
 

ZaytovenCat

All-American
Apr 25, 2013
23,887
8,430
97
Moreno is back. That's one piece. Need about 10 more
If you noticed Arizona and Michigan, they had about 7-8 guys that all could play heavy minutes if needed with one maybe 2 guys who could provide spot minutes. I think we just need 7-8 guys who are all real good. With 2-3 of those being the type that can drop 20-25 on any given night.

I used to want a 10 man rotation as well but it just doesn’t feel feasible today when kids leave after one year of not getting what they want. I’d rather get 8 good guys and run them til their legs fall off.
 

Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
41,498
63,339
113
UM was down a key reserve who would have got real minutes. IDK how those minutes were distributed prior to his injury, but I suspect they went at least one more deep when he was healthy.
 

etowncatfan

All-American
Jan 3, 2003
15,789
5,526
113
What do you think “testing the waters” means?
Testing the Waters means an honest opinion if you have the game to play in the NBA and what you need to work on. . Malachi could ask all of us this question and we will give him the answer he will get from them This Year. He needs to Get Stronger. He needs an offensive game. He needs to rebound better. He needs stronger hands. He needs to move his feet better and play better defense. Other than being 7 foot what traits does he possess that makes him a NBA player right now??
 
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