Top-50 incoming junior Malachi Moreno talks recruitment, game
The 2025 class, like past classes we’ve seen, has a fair share of talented forwards. Malachi Moreno is on that list. Great Crossing’s talented sophomore big is a 7-foot-1 forward from Georgetown, Kentucky, and this has already been an impressive year for him.
Evidently, Moreno doesn’t shy away from using his size to affect his opponents on the defensive end.
This season, Moreno averaged a double-double of 15.6 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks per game. Good numbers in year two for the talented sophomore. I’ve seen real progression since seeing him during Spring and Summer AAU sessions last year.
Moreno’s numbers practically translated exactly for this AAU season. During the first session of the Adidas 3SSB, Moreno averaged nearly 13.5 points, 10.5 boards, and three blocks per game which is almost identical to his stats from this past season.
Adidas selected 20 participants to go to Italy as part of their Eurocamp. Once more, only 20 prospects get selected by Adidas and Moreno was one of them. It’s evident he’s blessed and grateful for the opportunity.
His recruitment has been a solid reflection of how good he has been over the last few months. The breakout began last summer and hasn’t seen any slowing down with the play of Moreno as of late.
Moreno talked with Stockrisers.com to discuss his recruitment, his game, and his thoughts on attending Adidas’ camp in Italy.
Which schools are heavily involved in your recruitment?
“Kentucky, Purdue, Indiana, Notre Dame, Michigan, Iowa, Arkansas, Michigan State, Xavier, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Mizzou, Tennessee, and Louisville.”
Are any new schools showing interest?
“Florida and Western Kentucky.”
What’s Notre Dame’s pitch?
“Notre Dame has pitched that I would fit very well in their program. Coach Shrewsberry has been building a relationship with me since he was at Penn State and says that he really loves my style of play.”
How about Xavier? Thoughts on them and your relationship with Sean Miller?
“It’s been great getting to know them more and more over time. Sean Miller is a really cool person and he also knows the game of basketball very well.”
Ohio State, thoughts on them and Coach Chris Holtmann?
“Ohio State talks about how high of a priority I am for them. Coach Holtmann is from the same place I am from in Lexington, so he knows exactly where I come from.”
Michigan State?
“They had recently called my coach while I was playing, so I haven’t had a chance to speak with them just yet.”
Planning any visits when you return from Italy?
“I’m hopefully looking to go to Notre Dame, Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee when I get back. They have all called and asked me to come down, so those places are where I’m trying to get to.”
How do you feel your game and personality can fit into a college program?
“I think I can come in and be a big impact. I love defense and defending the rim so I think I could be a game-changer there and I am a really fun and outgoing person so I think I would help make the environment I am in fun.”
Finally, you’re headed to Italy. Tell the people what that’s for.
“It’s for the Adidas brand. Adidas selected 20 people to represent the brand and I was lucky enough and blessed to be selected. I’m looking forward to building friendships with the people I’m going with.”