The stage is set for an electrifying performance as Malachi Moreno, the highly touted Mr. Basketball winner, takes to the court in the 2025 Kentucky/Indiana All-Star Game. Moreno, donning the iconic No. 1 jersey reserved for Mr. Basketball winners, will lead his team against their arch-rivals from Indiana in a battle that promises to be intense and thrilling.
But Moreno’s focus doesn’t stop there. The McDonald’s All-American is gearing up for a busy summer, with a trip to Colorado Springs looming on the horizon. Alongside Jasper Johnson, Moreno will compete for a coveted spot on the 2025 USA Basketball U19 National Team, set to take part in the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland. Kentucky head coach Mark Pope will be on hand as a support staff member, providing valuable guidance and expertise to the young athletes.
Meanwhile, Moreno’s new teammates at UK are already showing their support, with Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, Denzel Aberdeen, Reece Potter, Jasper Johnson, and Trent Noah cheering him on from the sidelines. Before taking to the court, Moreno participated in a pregame meet-and-greet with Kentucky fans, marking his first official appearance as a Wildcat freshman. He also received his Mr. Basketball ring alongside Kentucky’s Miss Basketball ZaKiyah Johnson.
With his new locker at the Joe Craft Center already adorned with his No. 24 jersey, Moreno wasted no time getting shots up on the practice floor. A playful shooting session with fellow newcomer Michael Moreno, trading 3-pointers in Kentucky gear, set the tone for what’s shaping up to be an exciting season. As Moreno prepares to don his Wildcats jersey for the first time, the anticipation is building. Will he make a statement in the KY/IN All-Star Game? Can he help the Wildcats triumph over their arch-rivals on December 13? One thing’s for sure – Malachi Moreno is ready to ignite Wildcat fever and make his mark on the basketball world.
