The University of Kentucky's basketball program has long been a powerhouse in the sport, and with John Calipari's departure, the question of who will lead the team to future success is on many minds. One player who could potentially fit the mold of a star player without being the primary scorer is Malachi Moreno. While he may not have the same accolades as Anthony Davis, who set the single-season school record in blocked shots, Moreno has shown promise in the NBA draft process. With a strong sophomore season, he could vault himself into the lottery pick discussion, despite not being a prolific scorer. This is where the comparison to the 2011-12 team comes in, as Calipari's memorable phrase about Anthony Davis taking the fifth-most shots could be applied to Moreno. However, it's important to note that the team's success will depend on the contributions of other players, such as Alex Wilkins, Milan Momcilovic, and Zoom Diallo, who will also get their fair share of shots. Even if Mark Mitchell's case for an extra year of eligibility is denied, the starting power forward, whether it be Ousmane N'Diaye or Justin McBride, will be a significant scoring threat. Moreno's role will be to provide a steadfast anchor, rather than being the primary scorer. This approach could create a strong overall team synergy, and while the team may not be the next 2011-12 squad, with Moreno taking the fifth-most shots, the possibilities for success are endless.
