Malachi Moreno
Kentucky Wildcats · NCAA Division I · Center · Freshman · 2.13 m
SportiveWorld evaluation
Main reading
Measured production against measured opponents (36 games, 2025-26); on his signals alone, #20 of 39.
Why he is here
The NCAA model places him #22 of 39: measured production against measured opponents, and his individual signals alone leave him #20. The market has him 5 places lower (#27).
Measured over 36 games with a box score · 2025-26 · Kentucky Wildcats
- fact29 % probability of an NBA career (≥ 2,000 min). On the model's scale: context +3.28 · player +0.75. With average opponent and team, the same profile would give 1.5 %; on the environment alone, 16 %.
- factMeasured environment: Kentucky Wildcats, strength +6.2 (+0.9 sd) · average opponent +6.2 (+2.6 sd) — environment #25 of 39 ranked
- factHis individual signal adding the most: Blocks per 40 2.6 (+2.6 sd · contribution +0.99). On his individual signals alone he would be #20 of 39.
- factHistorical comparables: 4 of 41 similar university seasons reached the NBA (10 %) — #21 of 36 ranked in that lens. The model gives him 56 % to reach the NBA: the comparables are more conservative than the model for all 36 ranked, which is why this lens compares ranks, not figures.
interpretationThe position holds on what is measured: the rank does not change zone when the environment is removed or the comparables are consulted. SportiveWorld does not yet measure age, physique or projection; those dimensions could explain part of the gap, but the consensus sources do not publish the reason for their rank here.
Where the rank comes from: how much his individual signals contribute and how much his environment (model scale). Below, the probability with an average opponent and team, and the probability on the environment alone.
Potential
Categorical reading of the ceiling the accredited evidence supports. Not a score: it starts from the NCAA model (if any) or from the market prior and only moves one level with our own evidence, declared piece by piece.
factStarts from the NCAA model: 30% probability of an NBA career (#22 of 39 measured). → Medium
- ◎The market (#27) does not disagree with the model enough to move the reading.
- ◎On his individual signals alone he would be #20 of 39: consistent with his model #22.
Evidence moves the reading one level at most, in the direction the sum of the evidence pushes. · Confidence: NCAA season with ≥ 15 games with a box score and ≥ 60% of the team's games.
Production
2025-26 · Kentucky Wildcats · 7.8p · 6.3r · 1.8a · 22.6 min · 36 of 36 games with a box score · TS 63.5 %
By opponent level ▾
Per 40 minutes, over the games with a box score. Small samples within one season: read as a hint, not a verdict.
| pj | W-L | min | pts/40 | reb/40 | ast/40 | tov/40 | TS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 36 | — | 22.6 | 13.7 | 11.2 | 3.1 | 2.3 | 63.5 % |
| Opponents +8 or better | 17 | 6-11 | 23.2 | 11.8 | 10.7 | 2.6 | 2.6 | 67.3 % |
| Other opponents | 19 | 16-3 | 22.1 | 15.5 | 11.6 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 61.0 % |
| Postseason | 5 | 3-2 | 20.6 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 67.0 % |
| Away / neutral | 13 | 5-8 | 22.5 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 2.5 | 2.2 | 62.3 % |
Strengths
Signals that add the most
What travels: holds up against strong opponents
—
An individual signal is transferable if it holds against opponents rated +8 or better (≥ 90% of its season value). What evaporates as the level rises is stated.
Risks and what would change our mind
Signals that subtract
- ▼Comparables: only 4 of 41 historical analogues reached the NBA
Would make us move him down
- ▼More sources consolidating the consensus #27
Would make us move him up
- ▲More scoring per 40 min: today 13.7 (−0.3 sd)
What to watch until the Draft
- →The 2026-27 season: every new box score is measured and can move the rank
- →The mocks: captured daily; today the consensus is 2 source(s)
- →His minutes (22.6 per game): a drop would show in the box score before any news
Context
Facts derived from the box score (Basketball-Reference formulas over the games he played) and the standings. No film or tracking data.
Context
Facts derived from the box score (Basketball-Reference formulas over the games he played) and the standings. No film or tracking data.
Role on his team
- ·Started 30 of 36 games (83%) · 22.6 min (56% of the available minutes)
- ·Usage 16.4% of his team's possessions while on the floor · 17% of its points
- ·Creation: assists 13.5% of his teammates' baskets while on the floor · 1.40 assists per turnover · 17.3% of his possessions end in a turnover
- ·Team record with him on the floor: 22-14 · estimated pace 69.8 possessions per 40 min
His team and schedule
- ·Kentucky Wildcats · Southeastern Conference · 19-12 in the standings · 10-8 in conference
- ·Latest poll: AP Top 25, week 14, #25 (17-7)
- ·Postseason with a box score: 5 games, 2 in the NCAA Tournament (up to second round (32))
- ·Team strength +6.2 (+0.9 sd in the cohort) · average opponent +6.2 (+2.6 sd): the model's two context signals
Development
Development
No earlier season in our base: nothing to compare against.
Comparables and outlook (Scout)
Similarity of one season's statistical profile (12 axes per 40 minutes), not of playing style. 'Looks like X' means 'his season resembles it on these axes', nothing more.
Comparables and outlook (Scout)
Similarity of one season's statistical profile (12 axes per 40 minutes), not of playing style. 'Looks like X' means 'his season resembles it on these axes', nothing more.
fact4 of the 41 university seasons most like his 2025-26 reached the NBA (10 %) · statistical archetype: Rim-protecting big
NBA twins · what they share
Computed on 2025-26 (36 games) · 2026-09-13
Combine
NBA Draft Combine 2026 · identity: unique name within the 2024-2026 window and undrafted · rank within HIS cohort (those who did the test that year)
Combine
NBA Draft Combine 2026 · identity: unique name within the 2024-2026 window and undrafted · rank within HIS cohort (those who did the test that year)
What stands out most
percentile 74 among the Cs measured in 2022-2026 (rank 17 of 63)
interpretationHigh standing reach: he can play 'bigger' than his height on the glass and protecting the rim
Does not change with age: still true today (measured at the 2026 Combine)
percentile 73 among the Cs measured in 2022-2026 (rank 18 of 63)
interpretationBig hands: ball control and grip above the norm for his position
Does not change with age: still true today (measured at the 2026 Combine)
What falls shortest
percentile 7 among the Cs measured in 2022-2026 (rank 51 of 55)
interpretationShort straight-line speed for his position
A snapshot of that day (2026): weight, vertical and times change with physical work
percentile 9 among the Cs measured in 2022-2026 (rank 50 of 55)
interpretationShort vertical for his position: finishing above the rim will depend on length and timing
A snapshot of that day (2026): weight, vertical and times change with physical work
All measurements · 11
Market vs SportiveWorld
Outside reference: the rank given by the cited publications. We know the rank; they do not publish the why.
factExternal consensus #27 (Tankathon #32 · nbadraftroom #14; 2 source(s)). What we know: the rank. What we do NOT know: why they place him there — the sources publish rankings, not reasons.
Does our position hold? · The three lenses
- ◎On his individual signals alone he would be #20 of 39: the same zone as SW #22
- ◎On his environment alone (opponent and team) he would be #25 of 39, with 16 %
- ◎The comparables lens places him in the same zone of the board: #21 of 36 versus SW #22. A relative rank, not a rate: 10 % of 41 similar seasons reached the NBA; the model gives him 56 % to reach it
Three independent lenses against our own place: his individual signals alone, his environment alone and the historical comparables. A lens disagrees when it lands 8 places away or more. SportiveWorld can be wrong: this is where it shows.
Conviction
- ✓Sample: 36 of 36 games with a box score (100%)
- ✓Standardised by the Scout census (own season profile)
- ✓Consensus from 2 sources
- ✓His individual signals alone leave him in the same zone (#20 versus SW #22)
- ✓Historical comparables agree on the zone (#21 of 36 versus SW #22)
Why this gap exists ▾
On our side the gap decomposes exactly: which dimensions push the rank up and which hold it back. On the consensus side we only see the rank: its sources publish rankings, not reasons, so why they place him there is UNKNOWN. All we can say is what our model does NOT measure.
factSportiveWorld #22 · consensus #27: 5 places higher. Pushing up: Opponent quality · Box-score defence · Team strength · Production. Holding back: Minutes. Consensus sources: 2.
unknownWe know the consensus rank (#27: Tankathon #32 · nbadraftroom #14). We do not know why they place him there: the sources publish rankings, not reasons.
Pushes the rank up
Holds the rank back
What our model does NOT measure (it could explain part of the gap; the consensus does not publish its reasons)
- ◇Age and class (Freshman): the model does not adjust for them; the same production from a younger player projects higher
- ◇Physique and athleticism: measured at the 2026 Combine (below), but outside the model
- ◇Projection, film and future role: not in the box score
No appreciable weight · Creation +0.06 · Efficiency −0.07 · Outside shooting −0.06
Rank history ▾
7 captures, from 2026-09-13 to 2026-09-20
- ·2026-09-15: SW #21 → #22 · consensus #28 → #27 · no accredited cause in his own data (movement of the mocks or the rest of the board)
Movement in the mocks
Data and evidence
Everything behind the reading, on demand: season signal by signal, trajectory, games with a box score, comparables, consensus and the provenance of every figure.
Data and evidence
Everything behind the reading, on demand: season signal by signal, trajectory, games with a box score, comparables, consensus and the provenance of every figure.
All the model's signals
Calibrated probability of an NBA career of ≥ 2,000 minutes, given this season = 29.5 % · P(playing in the NBA) = 55.7 %
36 of 36 games with a box score · 21 conference · Average opponent +6.2 (+2.6 sd vs the cohort) · team +6.2 (+0.9 sd) · standardization from the Scout census
Who he is
The games with a box score in the measured season
| 2025-26 | Opponent | opp. rating | min | pts | reb | ast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-22 | @ Iowa State Cyclones L 63-82 · NCAA Tournament | +16.4 | 18 | 4 | 6 | 3 | box score |
| 2026-03-20 | Santa Clara Broncos W 89-84 · NCAA Tournament | +10.0 | 20 | 3 | 6 | 1 | box score |
| 2026-03-13 | @ Florida Gators L 63-71 · Conference Tournament | +15.6 | 21 | 6 | 5 | 0 | box score |
| 2026-03-12 | @ Missouri Tigers W 78-72 · Conference Tournament | +3.8 | 32 | 7 | 4 | 3 | box score |
| 2026-03-11 | LSU Tigers W 87-82 · Conference Tournament | +2.9 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 0 | box score |
| 2026-03-07 | Florida Gators L 77-84 | +15.6 | 27 | 6 | 6 | 4 | box score |
| 2026-03-04 | @ Texas A&M Aggies L 85-96 | +7.1 | 22 | 5 | 6 | 1 | box score |
| 2026-02-28 | Vanderbilt Commodores W 91-77 | +10.8 | 27 | 11 | 6 | 5 | box score |
| 2026-02-25 | @ South Carolina Gamecocks W 72-63 | −1.5 | 27 | 8 | 11 | 0 | box score |
| 2026-02-22 | @ Auburn Tigers L 74-75 | +4.2 | 24 | 7 | 7 | 4 | box score |
| 2026-02-18 | Georgia Bulldogs L 78-86 | +9.6 | 29 | 6 | 7 | 0 | box score |
| 2026-02-14 | @ Florida Gators L 83-92 | +15.6 | 21 | 11 | 11 | 1 | box score |
| 2026-02-08 | Tennessee Volunteers W 74-71 | +9.3 | 27 | 10 | 5 | 3 | box score |
| 2026-02-05 | Oklahoma Sooners W 94-78 | +5.5 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 0 | box score |
| 2026-01-31 | @ Arkansas Razorbacks W 85-77 | +9.2 | 27 | 11 | 7 | 1 | box score |
| 2026-01-28 | @ Vanderbilt Commodores L 55-80 | +10.8 | 26 | 4 | 8 | 1 | box score |
| 2026-01-24 | Ole Miss Rebels W 72-63 | −0.2 | 25 | 5 | 9 | 1 | box score |
| 2026-01-22 | Texas Longhorns W 85-80 | +6.6 | 26 | 8 | 4 | 6 | box score |
| 2026-01-17 | @ Tennessee Volunteers W 80-78 | +9.3 | 22 | 3 | 6 | 2 | box score |
| 2026-01-15 | @ LSU Tigers W 75-74 | +2.9 | 20 | 10 | 8 | 2 | box score |
| 2026-01-11 | Mississippi State Bulldogs W 92-68 | −4.2 | 28 | 17 | 8 | 6 | box score |
| 2026-01-08 | Missouri Tigers L 68-73 | +3.8 | 22 | 9 | 4 | 1 | box score |
| 2026-01-03 | @ Alabama Crimson Tide L 74-89 | +8.5 | 16 | 4 | 4 | 0 | box score |
| 2025-12-23 | Bellarmine Knights W 99-85 | −1.7 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 0 | box score |
| 2025-12-20 | St. John's Red Storm W 78-66 | +11.3 | 22 | 8 | 9 | 1 | box score |
| 2025-12-14 | Indiana Hoosiers W 72-60 | +6.0 | 21 | 3 | 2 | 3 | box score |
| 2025-12-10 | North Carolina Central Eagles W 103-67 | −3.6 | 27 | 14 | 7 | 0 | box score |
| 2025-12-06 | Gonzaga Bulldogs L 59-94 | +18.1 | 24 | 5 | 2 | 1 | box score |
| 2025-12-03 | North Carolina Tar Heels L 64-67 | +8.1 | 31 | 8 | 9 | 0 | box score |
| 2025-11-27 | Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles W 104-54 | −1.2 | 25 | 13 | 11 | 3 | box score |
| 2025-11-22 | Loyola Maryland Greyhounds W 88-46 | −1.8 | 23 | 10 | 8 | 2 | box score |
| 2025-11-18 | Michigan State Spartans L 66-83 | +10.5 | 20 | 9 | 4 | 3 | box score |
| 2025-11-15 | Eastern Illinois Panthers W 99-53 | −3.2 | 20 | 11 | 6 | 2 | box score |
| 2025-11-12 | @ Louisville Cardinals L 88-96 | +11.7 | 17 | 8 | 5 | 0 | box score |
| 2025-11-08 | Valparaiso Beacons W 107-59 | +0.5 | 21 | 18 | 10 | 3 | box score |
| 2025-11-05 | Nicholls Colonels W 77-51 | −2.5 | 17 | 5 | 9 | 1 | box score |
Evidence and provenance
Every figure in this file comes from one of these sources, with its scope and its sample. What is not here has not been measured.
| Owner | Scope | Sample | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside consensus | draft_board_mock · lib/bigboard.ts | 2 mocks | Tankathon #32 · nbadraftroom #14 |
| Identity | draft_board_prospect.espn_athlete_id · scripts/cross_bigboard_stats.mjs | NCAA Division I | 5101849 |
| Season | ncaa_player_box + ncaa_game · lib/scout/ejes.mjs | NCAA 2025-26 · Kentucky Wildcats | 36 of 36 games with a box score |
| Opponent quality | lib/draft/sql_rival.mjs (ncaa_game, ≥10 pj) | NCAA 2025-26 | 36 / 36 |
| z | ncaa_season_profile (scripts/scout_perfil_ncaa.mjs) | NCAA 2025-26 | standardization from the Scout census |
| SW rank | lib/draft/modelo.ts · lib/draft/calibracion.json | 2005-2021 | n=26,550 · AUC 0.897 |
| The player within his team | ncaa_player_box (rolDe · fórmulas B-R) | NCAA 2025-26 | 36 pj |
| The team | ncaa_standings · ncaa_ranking · ncaa_game | NCAA 2025-26 | Southeastern Conference |
| Comparables and outlook (Scout) | scout_nba_outlook (scripts/scout_outlook.mjs) | NCAA 2025-26 | 36 pj · 2026-09-13 |
| Combine | player_combine · lib/basketball/fisico.ts | NBA Draft Combine 2026 | nombre_unico_en_ventana_y_no_drafteado · 2024-2026 |
| Physical | ncaa_player (ESPN, 2026) | NCAA 2025-26 | 213 cm · 110 kg |
| Rank history | draft_sw_board_snapshot · draft_board_mock_snapshot (mig 0329) | 2027 | 7 |
Declared limits
- · No adjustment for age or class (the historical census lacks them): bias in favour of the productive veteran.
- · Physical measurements and the combine are not in the model: they are shown as context.
- · Calibrated on the NCAA only: ACB, EuroLeague and FIBA are not scored.
- · The mocks' history starts on 2026-09-13: before that date there is none (the ingester overwrote them daily).