WATCH: Malachi Moreno wins his team new Kobe 8 sneakers with ridiculous buzzer-beater

Need further proof of Mark Pope’s system? Malachi Moreno, who is nearly seven feet tall, hit an almost-full-court shot today during a scrimmage to win his team some coveted new sneakers.

Okay, so luck may have played a part in the wild shot, but the clip is pretty incredible. With the score tied at 12 and the clock winding down, Moreno rebounded a Collin Chandler airball, protected himself from an incoming defender (Mo Dioubate?), turned and launched the ball from the free throw line. Amazingly, it went through the hoop. After a clock review, the bucket was confirmed, and Blue defeated White 15-12 to win the Kobe 8 Venice Beach sneakers.

Today's scrimmage had a little extra on the line … and you HAVE to see how it ended ⬇️🙀 pic.twitter.com/zw9PmL4YVm

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 8, 2025

Moreno averaged 21.6 points, 14.9 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, and 3.6 assists per game as a senior at Great Crossing in Georgetown, leading the War Hawks to a 35-4 record and the state title. He shot an insane 72.1% from the field, but was only 3-12 from three-point range (25%). He’ll certainly get more opportunities in Mark Pope’s system.

Moreno, Braydon Hawthorne, Trent Noah, Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen, Reece Potter, and Jayden Quaintance were more than happy to collect their prizes in the equipment room.

“Just for that shot, baby,” Moreno said to the camera, adding later in the hallway. “We got the win today, so we got the early ‘Venice Beach’ Kobe Eights, and this is what winners get. So, be a winner.”

Well done, Malachi. Also, Quaintance didn’t seem to be participating in the live action — as expected — but it’s good to see him out there with the group. His shoes look way bigger than everyone else’s.

You can see more practice footage below.

High energy, high intensity 😤 pic.twitter.com/qgoy63ZSQM

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 7, 2025