The Kentucky Wildcats faithful have been feeling the heat this offseason. Coach Mark Pope has struggled to lock down top recruits or transfer portal targets, leaving the roster with some glaring holes. Those gaps could widen significantly if center Malachi Moreno decides to stay in the NBA draft.

Moreno, a towering presence for the Wildcats, is testing the draft waters. For a while, it seemed likely he'd return to Lexington. But a recent mock draft projecting him as a first-round pick has shifted the equation. The NBA draft combine kicks off on May 10, giving players a week-long stage to showcase their skills and boost their stock. Private workouts with teams also offer a chance for a closer look, and on Tuesday night, Moreno got one with the New York Knicks, according to Adam Zagoria.

While these workouts are routine and don't necessarily signal a major draft jump, the Knicks hold three picks overall, with two falling in the late-first to early-second round range. That aligns with Moreno's projected slot. Still, the combine will be the real test of his value.

If Moreno keeps his name in the draft, Kentucky faces a crisis at center. Right now, he and Reece Potter are the only two big men on the roster, and Potter isn't seen as a starting-caliber option yet. Big Blue Nation is cheering for Moreno's success, but they're also desperately hoping he'll suit up in blue and white one more season. All eyes are on the combine as the next big step.