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Giant UNC Basketball Target Chooses to Play for Different Blueblood

After initially enjoying some momentum, the UNC basketball coaches fell to a fellow powerhouse in one high-profile 2025 race.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis
UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Whether in the transfer portal or recruiting arena, UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his staff haven't been as successful as they probably hoped this offseason in their pursuits of top-shelf big men.

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Add Malachi Moreno to that list of misses by the Tar Heels.

On Friday, the Great Crossing High School (Ky.) senior, a 7-footer sitting No. 26 overall, No. 2 among centers, and No. 1 in the Bluegrass State, announced his commitment to the in-state Wildcats and first-year Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. Moreno unveiled his Kentucky shirt at the ceremony in his school's gym, choosing Pope & Co. over his seven other finalists in UNC, Notre Dame, Arkansas, Ohio State, Iowa, Indiana, and Louisville.

"Being able to wear Kentucky across my chest," Moreno explained to 247Sports' Travis Branham, "is exactly like Reed Sheppard said: there's nothing better."

Prior to setting his announcement date this week, Moreno had marked his calendar for official visits in the fall to UNC, Ohio State, Indiana, Arkansas, and Kentucky. However, it appears an unofficial visit to Kentucky earlier this month sealed the deal.

The Bullis School (Md.) four-star southpaw Eric Reibe is now the only undecided center on the 2025 UNC basketball offer sheet.

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Matt Giles

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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