The Kentucky Wildcats continue to seek roster improvements through the transfer portal. Mark Pope and his staff have already landed five commitments. Despite bringing in potential difference makers such as guard Alex Wilkins (Furman Paladins) and guard Zoom Diallo (Washington Huskies), the group ranks 79th in the nation, per Rivals.
The Wildcats continue to weigh their options, with former Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic emerging as a target. Rivals’ Jacob Polacheck previously reported that Kentucky had a Zoom meeting with the junior.
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There appears to be mutual interests between the two parties. In an article from Ben Roberts of the Lexington Herald Leader, Momcilovic says he would mesh well in Pope’s system.
Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball coach Mark Pope.© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“I think Kentucky would be a good fit,” Momcilovic said. “I obviously went against Pope at BYU his first year (in the Big 12), and I loved how his team played… But I think — if I were to choose Kentucky — that would be a good fit for me. I feel like I’d be a great player for him, and he’d be a good coach for me.”
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Momcilovic is coming off his best season with the Cyclones. In 37 starts, he averaged 16.9 points (career-high), 3.1 rebounds and one assist. He also shot 50.6% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the three-point line, both of which were career highs.
With Kentucky’s leading scorer last season, Otega Oweh, leaving for the 2026 NBA Draft, the team is in need of help. Momcilovic, who is listed as the No. 3 player to enter the transfer portal this offseason according to On3 Industry Rankings, could help replace that offensive production.
However, the Pewaukee, Wisconsin native, has several options outside of the Wildcats. Along with having declared for the draft, Robinson noted that the Louisville Cardinals and St. John’s Red Storm are also in the mix.
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With a deadline of May 27 to withdraw from the draft and return to school, Momcilovic is running out of time to make a decision. Under the belief that he would succeed playing for Pope, though, Kentucky continues to push for a commitment.
Related: Purdue Basketball Predicted to Receive Commitment From Nation’s No. 1 Center
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
