Moreno

[NerlensCat]

Other than the fact Moreno is from Ky, rated a 4 star and is around 6-11, what does he do well?

He seems to be a slow lumbering big who doesn’t to shoot with any range, defend/shot block or rebound at an elite level.

So anyone who has watched him play multiple games against other bigs, please break down his game.

I am not a pro at this, and I really want him to be that guy. But, I am not seeing anything special other than size.

 

[robo222]

Other than the fact Moreno is from Ky, rated a 4 star and is around 6-11, what does he do well?

He seems to be a slow lumbering big who doesn’t to shoot with any range, defend/shot block or rebound at an elite level.

So anyone who has watched him play multiple games against other bigs, please break down his game.

I am not a pro at this, and I really want him to be that guy. But, I am not seeing anything special other than size.

not as good as Dan

 

[NerlensCat]

not as good as Dan

Be careful, you show your age😊

 

[WV Wildcat]

Everyone that evaluates seems to think he is a high quality big man. I watched Great Crossing vs Lyon County in an early season classic at Martin Co and I was not real impressed. He was far and away the biggest guy on the court and did not assert himself but, like I said, those that evaluate seem to like his game.

 

[NerlensCat]

Everyone that evaluates seems to think he is a high quality big man. I watched Great Crossing vs Lyon County in an early season classic at Martin Co and I was not real impressed. He was far and away the biggest guy on the court and did not assert himself but, like I said, those that evaluate seem to like his game.

Basically what I was thinking. He just doesn’t seem to have a motor.

 

[WV Wildcat]

Travis Perry, in the same game, was impressive. His shooting was off in the first half but when all was said and done, he scored around 30 and his team won. What impressed me wasn’t his shooting (we all know he can do that), it was his game management and basketball IQ. He was a coach on the floor. He knew everyone’s responsibilities and directed them. He always made the right play. I also thought he was impressive going to the basket and free throws are almost automatic.

 

[NerlensCat]

Travis Perry, in the same game, was impressive. His shooting was off in the first half but when all was said and done, he scored around 30 and his team won. What impressed me wasn’t his shooting (we all know he can do that), it was his game management and basketball IQ. He was a coach on the floor. He knew everyone’s responsibilities and directed them. He always made the right play. I also thought he was impressive going to the basket and free throws are almost automatic.

I hope he can gain a little quickness via improving his % of body fat. If he can, he could be a very good at the next level. It looks like Pope is going to run them hard, so that should improve.

 

[Blouman]

I hope he can gain a little quickness via improving his % of body fat. If he can, he could be a very good at the next level. It looks like Pope is going to run them hard, so that should improve.

Pitino, what are you doing on this board?

 

[bucsrule8872]

Pope seems to want him, so he must see him as a pretty good player and a good fit for his system.

 

[NerlensCat]

Pope seems to want him, so he must see him as a pretty good player and a good fit for his system.

I am quite sure Pope would take him, as any coach at UK would have to at least try to secure his services. He has the height and length. I just question his intensity and motor. Like I said, I don't do this for a living. So, he will probably be a very good player wherever he goes.

I just don't think he necessarily fits what KY is doing as much as maybe Bundalo or Reibe, who have demonstrated they can shoot from the perimeter. Cenac doesn't seem to shoot either, but he has a motor and more apparent athletic/finishing ability than Moreno.

I could see him developing for a couple of years to be a force by his Junior season. I just hope fans don't freak, if he comes to UK this highly touted only to take a couple of years to start reaching his potential.

 

[MrHotDice]

Other than the fact Moreno is from Ky, rated a 4 star and is around 6-11, what does he do well?

He seems to be a slow lumbering big who doesn’t to shoot with any range, defend/shot block or rebound at an elite level.

So anyone who has watched him play multiple games against other bigs, please break down his game.

I am not a pro at this, and I really want him to be that guy. But, I am not seeing anything special other than size.

Being able to shoot the 3 and pass from the top of the key is a must in Popes offense if you want to play. Being 7 foot is not important.

 

[NerlensCat]

Being able to shoot the 3 and pass from the top of the key is a must in Popes offense if you want to play. Being 7 foot is not important.

I could see being able to do those things and then being able to defend an opposing center as very important.

I guess we will find out how this works as neither Williams and Garrison shoot the 3, but appear to defend.

 

[UK-chulo]

Other than the fact Moreno is from Ky, rated a 4 star and is around 6-11, what does he do well?

He seems to be a slow lumbering big who doesn’t to shoot with any range, defend/shot block or rebound at an elite level.

So anyone who has watched him play multiple games against other bigs, please break down his game.

I am not a pro at this, and I really want him to be that guy. But, I am not seeing anything special other than size.

Think we are just trying to not have him go to South Carolina and drop 20/10 on us in a midweek SEC game.

 

[FFWhite]

Bigs develop different than guards. Big at Purdue was very average in high school but was two time player of the year in college. Good high school teams don’t need bigs to score but need them to be a threat. 15 and 10 from a big goes a long way in high school. Bigs in high school are valuable by forcing teams to double down and prevent teams from cheating on drives. Catching lobs and put backs are what you hope to get out of young bigs. On D shutting down the lane and controlling the defensive boards makes a team much better. Good bigs make team settle for jump shots instead of driving. Clingan was not a star in high school but was a great fit at U Conn.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I am quite sure Pope would take him, as any coach at UK would have to at least try to secure his services. He has the height and length. I just question his intensity and motor. Like I said, I don't do this for a living. So, he will probably be a very good player wherever he goes.

I just don't think he necessarily fits what KY is doing as much as maybe Bundalo or Reibe, who have demonstrated they can shoot from the perimeter. Cenac doesn't seem to shoot either, but he has a motor and more apparent athletic/finishing ability than Moreno.

I could see him developing for a couple of years to be a force by his Junior season. I just hope fans don't freak, if he comes to UK this highly touted only to take a couple of years to start reaching his potential.

The 5 doesn’t necessarily have to shoot 3’s in Pope’s system. Williams doesn’t shoot many and I don’t think Garrison has attempted one yet in his college career.

The most important aspect of the game for bigs in Pope’s system, IMHO, is passing at least offensively speaking. That might be something to look at when evaluating his fit. How does he do passing out of the post? How well does he make decisions on the perimeter?

How he compares to Khalifa might be worth analyzing. Khalifa was involved out on the perimeter a lot with dribble handoffs and making reads. He was an exceptional passer.

A Junior in HS Moreno still has time to develop, but the comments about his motor is a little concerning. Pope’s big men have to be pretty mobile and hard workers on the boards.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Being able to shoot the 3 and pass from the top of the key is a must in Popes offense if you want to play. Being 7 foot is not important.

Making the right read from the perimeter (including the top of the key) and delivering good passes is extremely important in Pope’s system. We don’t want a big that feels pressure when he is out behind the three point line. He needs to have composure and make the right read. Shooting the 3 is helpful, but I think being able to make good decisions when on the perimeter is more important.

If shooting the 3 is a major role for the 5, we may struggle this season, as neither Williams nor Garrison are known for their 3-point shooting.

 

[NerlensCat]

The 5 doesn’t necessarily have to shoot 3’s in Pope’s system. Williams doesn’t shoot many and I don’t think Garrison has attempted one yet in his college career.

The most important aspect of the game for bigs in Pope’s system, IMHO, is passing at least offensively speaking. That might be something to look at when evaluating his fit. How does he do passing out of the post? How well does he make decisions on the perimeter?

How he compares to Khalifa might be worth analyzing. Khalifa was involved out on the perimeter a lot with dribble handoffs and making reads. He was an exceptional passer.

A Junior in HS Moreno still has time to develop, but the comments about his motor is a little concerning. Pope’s big men have to be pretty mobile and hard workers on the boards.

He did make a few good passes to the post. Highlights just don’t focus on that aspect of a players game.

It may just be the games I watch and the highlights I saw. It just didn’t look like a guy who really put the effort to dominate the game. At that age, I would prefer someone make mistakes of commission rather than omission.

Khalifa could actually shoot some - over 30% from three I believe. At least enough to keep the defense from sagging and cutting off passing lanes. That is the premise of the 5 out system.

If we could get a guarantee he would be here for 3 years, I would be very excited. I guess I have the Cal/NIL Shakes when it comes to projects near the top 25 rankings, especially when they don’t have a specific skill.

I still hope we get him, just don’t want to get my hopes up and then be completely disappointed.

 

[JPFisher]

This was posted a month ago. They're highlights, of course, but it seems like Moreno understands how to get open and when to get to the basket. He also looks like he has good body control and hands, so perhaps motor and consistency will come with time.

 

[bucsrule8872]

He did make a few good passes to the post. Highlights just don’t focus on that aspect of a players game.

It may just be the games I watch and the highlights I saw. It just didn’t look like a guy who really put the effort to dominate the game. At that age, I would prefer someone make mistakes of commission rather than omission.

Khalifa could actually shoot some - over 30% from three I believe. At least enough to keep the defense from sagging and cutting off passing lanes. That is the premise of the 5 out system.

If we could get a guarantee he would be here for 3 years, I would be very excited. I guess I have the Cal/NIL Shakes when it comes to projects near the top 25 rankings, especially when they don’t have a specific skill.

I still hope we get him, just don’t want to get my hopes up and then be completely disappointed.

Moreno should not be a starter until at least his Sophomore year. Garrison should be back as a Junior when Moreno is a Freshman. If Garrison leaves, Pope will likely go to the portal for a seasoned veteran to start.

That gives Moreno a year to develop before being counted on for big minutes. And if he is still not ready, Pope can once again go to the portal.

The portal makes it easier to gamble on some recruits with potential like Moreno.

 

[NerlensCat]

Moreno should not be a starter until at least his Sophomore year. Garrison should be back as a Junior when Moreno is a Freshman. If Garrison leaves, Pope will likely go to the portal for a seasoned veteran to start.

That gives Moreno a year to develop before being counted on for big minutes. And if he is still not ready, Pope can once again go to the portal.

The portal makes it easier to gamble on some recruits with potential like Moreno.

I hope you are right.

 

[BarefootBeach]

I think Moreno is a real good multi-year prospect for us. I think he'll be a good backup to garrison next year. I'm a bit confused about why pope is going after Eric reibe so hard. If we land this kid what happens to the Moreno kid? By all accounts reibe looks like a great prospect, no issue there.

 

[NerlensCat]

I think Moreno is a real good multi-year prospect for us. I think he'll be a good backup to garrison next year. I'm a bit confused about why pope is going after Eric reibe so hard. If we land this kid what happens to the Moreno kid? By all accounts reibe looks like a great prospect, no issue there.

You never put all your eggs in one basket. I think both could be multi-year players. Reuben has a good outside shot, but doesn’t appear to be as physical.

 

[bnewt]

Big kids seldom play hard in high school for fear of fouls. The time I watched him, he seemed to have nice touch and good form. Teammates just didn't know when to get him the ball and coach didn't run plays for him

 

[Cold Stout Beer]

not as good as Dan

 

[NerlensCat]

Went back and watched that Indiana Elite vs Dream Vision game and noticed something I had not before. The Indiana Elite team Moreno played on only had 3 subs and did not appear to sub him at all. Could have have had an affect on his aggressiveness and demeanor.

I will say that I prefer watching full game highlights vs. individual highlights. The individuals highlights are always going to show their most positive moments.

 

[Snarks0]

While he’s not an immediate impact player (few 4 stars are). He could be good down the road!

 

[reggis1]

While he’s not an immediate impact player (few 4 stars are). He could be good down the road!

He will be a force in college has good basic skills and he can be taught shooting skills even to 3 pt line

 

[CatPatrick13]

The kid already has good footwork and plays pretty physical... a lot of skill to work with. Pope will make him better.

 

[Mike_Edwards]

Reminds me of Kel'el Ware.

 

[Kycatspaws]

The 6-foot-11, 220-pound big man is regarded as the top player in the state of Kentucky by the four major recruiting services, and ranks as high as the top-ranked center and No. 16 overall prospect in the 2025 cycle, according to On3. The247Sports Composite has him as the No. 28 overall player.

Moreno had an extremely impactful junior season. In 37 games tracked by MaxPreps, he averaged 16.0 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.7 blocks and 2.2 assists per game, while shooting 65.6 percent from the field. He helped guide Great Crossing to a 36-2 overall record, which included a berth in the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen.

The big guy is getting plenty of offers, but I think he will end up wearing blue.

 

[tomrain]

While he’s not an immediate impact player (few 4 stars are). He could be good down the road!

Kinda like Reed Sheppard, Shai Alexander and Tyler Herro?

 

[NerlensCat]

Kinda like Reed Sheppard, Shai Alexander and Tyler Herro?

I wish. Maybe the light turns on for him and the motor revs to 8400 RPM’s (reference for you Z06 fans).

He needs a little more range to fully develop. But, if he just kept on the rev limiter, he would instantly be in the top 10.

This is where a coach could really help. If he goes to a coach who leaves him in for very long stretches, he will try to pace himself. A good coach would give him the option to play as many minutes as he can as long as he is full throttle while on the court. The minute he slows, he comes out for a breather.

This should be driven as a positive. If so, he will gain confidence, stamina and the killer instinct.

 

[Padsfs07]

I could see being able to do those things and then being able to defend an opposing center as very important.

I guess we will find out how this works as neither Williams and Garrison shoot the 3, but appear to defend.

Traore and Atiki never shot 3s at all at BYU and they both played a fair amount of minutes the last 3 years. He had 7'3 Matt Haarms and Kolby Lee before them.

Also, at Utah Valley, he had Manyang and Baylee Steele, niether of which shot 3s.

 

[NerlensCat]

Traore and Atiki never shot 3s at all at BYU and they both played a fair amount of minutes the last 3 years. He had 7'3 Matt Haarms and Kolby Lee before them.

Also, at Utah Valley, he had Manyang and Baylee Steele, niether of which shot 3s.

Were they defensive specialist and passer’s or strictly low post?

 

[cats#1again]

I could see being able to do those things and then being able to defend an opposing center as very important.

I guess we will find out how this works as neither Williams and Garrison shoot the 3, but appear to defend.

Exactly. Nobody knows how pope will use players here. His offense at BYU was one way because of the type players he was able to get. May be something totally different here