If you want to win an NCAA title then you usually need a good coach, a great resume…and a McDonald’s All-American. Only 2 championship teams from 1979-2020 did not have such a player (2002 Maryland/2014 UConn), and while UConn won a title in 2023 without 1 they added McDonald’s All-American Stephon Castle before winning a 2nd title in 2024. The rosters for this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game were announced last month after selecting the 24 best players in the nation from a list of several hundred nominees. If you do not think these guys can make an immediate impact in the fall, just ask Coach Jon Scheyer how he likes having 2024 honoree Cooper Flagg at Duke! Unlike most years when 1 school stands out as the big winner with the most All-Americans, there are 2 different programs tied for the lead with 3 each (Duke/UConn) and 3 players who have not yet committed to a college. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Malachi Moreno about being named a McDonald’s All-American and seeing John Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena in person.
Last season at Great Crossing High School you averaged 16 PPG/13 RPG/4 BPG: how big a deal was it to reach the Sweet 16 of the KHSAA state tournament for the first time in school history? It was a very big deal. The previous 2 years we had been upset in the regional tourney, but last year we were more experienced and were able to make it to the state tourney. It was a great steppingstone for both our players and our program.
You received offers from several great schools including Arkansas/Indiana/North Carolina but signed with Kentucky last August: was it an easy decision considering your high school campus is just 30 minutes from the Kentucky campus? I am a big relationship guy and developed relationships with all the coaches, but at the end of the day I could only pick 1 school. The things that Kentucky preached made my decision so much easier, plus the chance to be close to my family.
You got to attend the Arkansas-Kentucky game earlier this month: what was it like to see Coach John Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena in person? It was something new. I heard some boos but a lot of applause as well because he created quite a legacy at Kentucky. I am sure that it was a surreal moment for both him and his players.
Coach Mark Pope’s team started this season 14-3 but is currently 17-8: how far do you think they will go in March? I think they will go as far as they want to go. They have been plagued with injuries but have depth/experience and nobody wants it more than them.
Last month you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It meant a lot. You always set goals for yourself when you play a sport, and I put in a lot of work/prayer after setting that as 1 of my goals. Once I saw my name on the list, I felt very proud of myself. I found out while I was with my teammates, which made it a memory that I will never forget.
You are part of a great recruiting class that includes Jasper Johnson/Acaden Lewis: how well do you know your 2 future teammates? I have known/played against Jasper for a long time: we only live 20-30 minutes apart and have always been friends, and our relationship has only grown stronger once we both committed. Acaden happened to be on my team at a basketball camp last summer, and I knew that we would kill it once we all committed to the Wildcats!
You were also named a member of the 2025 USA Nike Hoop Summit team last month: any chance you can convince your future Hoop Summit teammates Nate Ament/Koa Peat to join you in Lexington next fall? I certainly hope they come to Lexington so I can try my hardest…but it is their decision at the end of the day.
I have seen you listed anywhere from 6’10 to 7’1”: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? In high school I am a traditional center, which is what I have been my whole life. In college I am hoping to be a stretch 5 like Amari Williams: initiating the offense and making plays for your teammates.
Your brother Michael played basketball at Eastern Kentucky: who is the best athlete in the family? That is hard to decide. We have different builds, but I would not be who I am without him setting the path for me. It pains me to say it…but I would have to choose him!
I read that you want to major in education and become a teacher someday: how come? I have had many teachers during my life who have been great role models and helped me make sound decisions. I want to be a role model to students in the future and just ensure that they are happy.
