The Kentucky Wildcats just landed one of the biggest prizes of the transfer portal. Former Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic, widely viewed as the No. 1 player available this spring, has committed to Kentucky after also drawing serious interest from Louisville, Arizona, and St. John’s.
It is a major pickup for the Wildcats, especially because Momcilovic brings exactly what every team wants: elite shooting. After hitting 48.7% from three last season and ranking near the top of college basketball in made threes, he gives Kentucky an instant offensive weapon.
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The news was confirmed on Instagram by Momcilovic himself who posted an image of him in the Kentucky jersey with a caption that said, “Let’s do this, #BBN!”
Mark Pope needed a proven scorer, and he just landed one of the most dangerous shooters in the country. Kentucky lost a lot of production from last season’s roster, so bringing in someone who can immediately space the floor and punish defenses from deep is a huge win.
Momcilovic is not just a transfer with potential. He has already done it at a high level in the Big 12, where he showed he can score efficiently, handle pressure, and deliver in important games. Kentucky fans also got a close look at him during the NCAA tournament, when he helped Iowa State knock out the Wildcats.
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His decision to return to college after testing the NBA Draft process makes the pickup even bigger. Kentucky is getting a player who had real professional interest but still chose to spend his next season in Lexington.
Tennessee forward DeWayne Brown II (6) and Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic (22) chase after the loose ball. © Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The fit should be simple. Momcilovic gives Pope a reliable offensive weapon who can open up space for everyone else. Defenders will have to respect him beyond the arc, which should make Kentucky’s offense much harder to guard.
After a frustrating season, the Wildcats needed a statement addition. Momcilovic gives them exactly that, and his commitment should immediately raise expectations for what Kentucky can be next year.
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This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on Jun 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
