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Wildcats' Rim Protection Set to Soar
1 Jun
Summary
- Seven-footer Malachi Moreno is expected to significantly improve his block average.
- Franck Kepnang, a previous top blocker, adds depth to the team's defense.
- Enhanced physicality and muscle mass are priorities for player development.
The Wildcats are anticipating a significant improvement in rim protection for the upcoming basketball season. Malachi Moreno, a seven-footer who played as a true freshman last season, averaged 1.47 blocks per game and is expected to see substantial growth in his shot-blocking abilities. His physical development and added muscle are key priorities for the offseason.
Joining Moreno in bolstering the team's interior defense is Franck Kepnang, a former Washington center. Kepnang previously recorded an impressive 2.07 blocks per game, ranking him among the nation's best. With these two centers, the Wildcats anticipate a formidable presence in the paint.
Moreno is projected to increase his minutes and block average significantly, potentially becoming a top-ten shot blocker nationally. Kepnang is expected to provide strong support as a reserve, contributing to a top-25 ranked shot-blocking effort. This enhanced defensive capability aims to disrupt opposing offenses and improve the Wildcats' national standing.
Last season, the Wildcats ranked 35th nationally in blocks per game. With the anticipated performance of Moreno and Kepnang, the team has the potential to climb into the top ten in this metric. This focus on shot-blocking and rebounding could address previous defensive concerns during the Mark Pope era.
