Georgetown (Ky.) Great Crossing 4-star center Malachi Moreno has advanced his recruitment process, naming his top eight schools on Monday.
Moreno (6-11, 230), rated as a 4-star prospect and ranked No. 26 in the 2025 class by 247Sports, has narrowed his choices to Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, according to Joe Tipton of On3 Sports.
Among his top choices, Moreno has already visited Indiana, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Iowa, Kentucky multiple times, and Ohio State.
New UK coach Mark Pope has made Moreno a top priority since replacing John Calipari on April 12. Pope contacted Moreno on his first day on the job and closely followed him during the first live period in May. Pope also traveled to Colorado Springs over Memorial Day weekend to watch Moreno at the United States U18 National Team trials. Earlier this month, Pope scouted Moreno at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Orlando, where Moreno stood out, averaging 17.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He scored over 20 points three times, including a 23-point, 15-rebound performance that led his team to an 8-0 record and the camp championship.
“I’m just working on showing my skillset, my versatility, and my ability to switch between positions, handle the ball, and make plays,” Moreno told 247Sports. “I keep trying to showcase all of my skills.”
Last week, Moreno made an unofficial visit to the UK campus to watch team workouts. Over the weekend, Pope and the Kentucky staff watched Moreno compete for Great Crossing at the KABC Titans-Rockets Shootout in Shelbyville.
“How I fit into his system and how I would impact the team as a freshman,” Moreno said about his conversations with Pope. “I like their staff. Coach [Alvin] Brooks recruited me when he was at Baylor. We have a relationship. Kentucky is always a powerhouse.”
Moreno, the younger brother of Scott County product Michael Moreno who played at Eastern Kentucky, averaged 16.0 points and 13.3 rebounds per game while shooting 65.7% from the floor for Great Crossing. He led the Warhawks to a 36-2 record, the King of the Bluegrass championship, the 11th Region championship, and a berth in the semifinals of the KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.
Moreno is aiming to make his decision in the fall. “I’m trying to get through the spring and summer and hope to do my visits in late summer and early fall before making my decision,” he said. “My deadline is my birthday on October 24th. I’ll turn 18 and hope to decide before then.”
Currently, there are no predictions on Moreno’s 247Sports Crystal Ball.