Milan Momcilovic remains in the NBA Draft pool, but discussions about his future have intensified as all signs point to him returning to college basketball.
If Momcilovic decides to return to college, he is predicted to receive one of the most lucrative NIL deals in the nation. Now, college basketball insider Jeff Goodman revealed that a new team has entered the Momcilovic sweepstakes at the last minute, and they have a real chance to land the sharpshooter.
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Where Will Milan Momcilovic Play Next Season?
Several programs have been competing for Momcilovic, with Kentucky, Louisville, and St. John’s being the teams most often mentioned as possible destinations for the sharpshooter if he pulls out of the 2026 NBA Draft by the May 27 deadline. Now, according to Jeff Goodman of “The Field of 68,” a fourth school has entered the mix for Momcilovic.
“For a while, Louisville looked like it was the leader,” Goodman said. “Then, I think St. John’s was the leader. [Then], I think Kentucky was probably the leader. It’s gone back and forth. Those are the three that have been discussed the most. Right now, I would say St. John’s or Kentucky is probably neck and neck. But the fourth team right now that is trying to gain some ground, per my sources, is Arizona.”
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Momcilovic is coming off an incredible season with Iowa State in which he averaged 16.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. He also recorded the most efficient shooting numbers of his college career, knocking down 50.6% from the field while connecting on 48.7% from beyond the arc. He was widely regarded as the best shooter in college basketball and he’s now the most sought-after player in the transfer portal.
One reason why Arizona is making a late push to land Momcilovic is the potential departure of Koa Peat, who is expected to stay in the NBA Draft. Momcilovic would be a major addition to Tommy Lloyd’s squad.
“A big part of that is because they believe they’re going to lose Koa Peat,” Goodman added. “[If] Koa Peat leaves, obviously, that clears a lot of cap room for Arizona. I think it also gives them a guy who fits. Talk about an extreme contrast of players. You go from Koa Peat, who can’t shoot, athletic as hell, can’t shoot, to then you’re bringing in Milan Momcilovic, arguably the best shooter in the country, not a great athlete, not a great defender, completely different.”
As for Momcilovic’s NBA future, he must officially decide by 11:59 p.m. on May 27 whether to remain in the draft or return to college basketball. Goodman recently surveyed 10 NBA executives regarding Momcilovic’s outlook, and every executive said he is a second-round pick. As a result, Goodman and Co. expect him to withdraw from the draft and return to school to improve his stock.
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Goodman revealed that Momcilovic had been scheduled to work out for the New York Knicks, but the session was ultimately canceled. Goodman said that is likely because Momcilovic is leaning toward withdrawing from the NBA Draft altogether. He previously worked out for the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Goodman said that Momcilovic is expected to receive an NIL deal of at least $5 million and potentially even higher, so he could be in for a huge payday.
