Malachi Moreno’s unexpected cut from the Team USA U19 basketball roster sent ripples through the Kentucky basketball community and beyond. The towering freshman center, who had been turning heads with his dominant performances during training camp in Colorado Springs, was widely expected to make the final 18-man roster. Instead, he returned to Lexington earlier than anticipated, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what went wrong.
As it turns out, the decision wasn’t based on performance. In fact, Moreno had been impressing coaches and scouts with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and interior presence. According to those close to the camp, he was one of the most impactful big men on the floor, consistently altering shots and controlling the paint. His Sunday morning session, in particular, was described as “head-spinning good,” with Moreno showcasing elite timing, verticality, and hustle against some of the best 19-year-olds in the world.
So why was he cut? The answer lies in a minor injury he sustained during camp. While the specifics of the injury haven’t been disclosed, it was serious enough to prompt a mutual decision between Moreno and Team USA staff to withdraw him from further participation. Rather than risk aggravating the issue, Moreno opted to prioritize his long-term health and return to Kentucky to begin summer workouts with the Wildcats. It was a mature and measured decision, especially for a young player eager to represent his country on the international stage.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who is serving as an assistant for Team USA, had nothing but praise for Moreno’s performance. He described the freshman’s play as “unbelievable” and emphasized how dominant he was in the paint. Pope’s comments made it clear that, had it not been for the injury, Moreno would have been a strong contender for a spot on the final 12-man roster heading to the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland.
For Moreno, the experience was still a valuable one. Competing against elite talent and receiving coaching at the national level provided a glimpse into the intensity and expectations of international basketball. It also gave him a chance to bond with fellow Kentucky freshman Jasper Johnson, who did make the cut and will continue with Team USA through the final selection process.
While the cut was disappointing, it’s far from a setback. If anything, it’s a reminder of Moreno’s potential and the high regard in which he’s held by coaches and evaluators. His decision to step away and focus on recovery speaks volumes about his maturity and long-term vision. With the college season on the horizon, Kentucky fans can look forward to seeing a healthy, motivated Moreno anchoring the paint in Rupp Arena.
In the end, this chapter in Moreno’s journey is less about a missed opportunity and more about a young athlete making a smart choice. His time with Team USA may have been brief, but it was enough to show that he belongs on the national stage—and that his best basketball is still ahead.
