Kentucky contacts international center with Malachi Moreno uncertainty

The Kentucky Wildcats went into the offseason expecting to get center Malachi Moreno back for his sophomore season, but things have changed. With a number of players electing to stay in college to collect NIL money, Moreno has risen up draft boards, and finds himself as a potential first round pick. That could drastically alter their plans.

Moreno was expected to be a focal point for the Wildcats, and coach Mark Pope called him the best center in the country. Kentucky's roster is already without a "star", and losing Moreno would be a big blow. According to Tristan Pharis of KY Insider, Pope could be preparing for that loss by contacting Russian center Gleb Firsov.

Firsov is a 6'10" center who played in the VTB United League, averaging 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in about 18 minutes per game. He's a talented big who fits Pope's system and has a very good upside.

Obviously, getting Moreno back would be ideal, but with the roster already short on top-end talent, having a good backup plan in place is necessary. Firsov would certainly be a solid option. Arkansas and Alabama have also reportedly contacted him.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky basketball contacts Russian center Gleb Firsov