LEAD STORY: Kentucky's Malachi Moreno Explores NBA Draft, Works Out with Knicks
Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno is taking a serious look at the next level, working out for the New York Knicks on Tuesday as he tests the NBA Draft waters. The deadline for players to withdraw and retain their collegiate eligibility is May 27th, leaving three weeks for one of the SEC's top freshmen to make a pivotal career decision.
Moreno's workout in New York, which reportedly included other prospects like Michigan's Elliot Cadeau, comes after a strong debut season in Lexington. The 7-foot-1 center was an impact player for the Wildcats, starting 30 of 36 games and earning a selection to the All-SEC Freshman Team. He averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 58.2 percent from the field. His defensive presence was immediately felt, as he tallied 53 blocks on the season, and he showed his offensive versatility with 64 assists.
While many anticipate his return to Kentucky for the 2026-27 season, this pre-draft process is a crucial step for Moreno to receive professional feedback. Recent projections have slotted the former McDonald's All-American and Kentucky Mr. Basketball as a potential early second-round pick, with one mock draft linking him to the Knicks at 31st overall. His performance in workouts and feedback from NBA personnel will undoubtedly shape the decision that awaits both Moreno and the Big Blue Nation.
QUICK HITS
New Era, New Upgrades at Kentucky: The Will Stein era for Kentucky Football is being accompanied by a fresh shine on the team's facilities. The UK Board of Trustees approved a $3 million project to modernize the football weight room with state-of-the-art equipment and flooring. It's the first major update to the Joe Craft Football Training Facility since 2016 and reflects Stein's emphasis on technology since his arrival.
Georgia Softball Upsets LSU, Faces No. 1 Oklahoma: The ninth-seeded Georgia Bulldogs are moving on in the SEC Softball Tournament after a 7-3 victory over eighth-seeded LSU Wednesday night. The win improves Georgia to 37-17 and sets up a formidable quarterfinal challenge. The Bulldogs will face the No. 1 seed and SEC Regular Season Champion Oklahoma Sooners tonight at 7 p.m. CT.
Mizzou Football Lands in Post-Spring Top 25: Despite a middling over/under win total of 6.5 from FanDuel Sportsbook, Missouri is earning some offseason respect in post-spring rankings. CBS Sports has the Tigers slotted at No. 20, while another poll places them at No. 23. After adding Ole Miss transfer QB Austin Simmons and returning star RB Ahmad Hardy, hopes are high in Columbia for an improved offense.
Top-15 Baseball Showdown in Starkville: A high-stakes conference series kicks off tonight at Dudy Noble Field as No. 11 Mississippi State hosts No. 6 Auburn. The Diamond Dawgs will look to sharpen their national resume against one of the country's elite teams in a three-game set beginning at 7:00 p.m. CT.
PORTAL WATCH
After a flurry of activity in April, the SEC transfer portal has been quiet over the last 24 hours with no new major entries or commitments to report. Missouri basketball has notably assembled what 247Sports ranks as the nation's No. 11 transfer class, but the Tigers still have two open scholarships as coaching staffs across the league finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.
RECRUITING BUZZ
Missouri landed an in-state commitment from Caleb Green of Lee's Summit North. He continues a family legacy, as his brother, Cayden Green, also played for an SEC school. Keeping the pipeline open to a talent-rich program like Lee's Summit North is a significant win for the Tigers' recruiting efforts within state lines.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, May 7, 2026
SEC Softball Tournament Quarterfinals (Lexington, KY):
NCAABaseball:
- (6) Auburn at (11) Mississippi State - 7:00 PM CT (ESPNU)