Kentucky Basketball remains in the mix for Iowa State transfer forward Milan Momcilovic as he continues weighing his NBA Draft decision.
Momcilovic currently has three options on the table: Stay in the NBA Draft, return to college and play for Kentucky, or return to another program. Regardless of the decision, the talented forward is expected to have a massive market if he withdraws from the draft process.
Advertisement
In today’s college basketball landscape, shooters with size are among the most valuable players in the sport, and Momcilovic fits that mold perfectly. The 6-foot-8 forward emerged as one of the top stretch forwards in the country during his time at Iowa State thanks to his scoring ability and perimeter shooting.
Because of that, there is a growing belief that Momcilovic could earn around $5-6 million in NIL opportunities if he returns to college basketball. Kentucky is believed to be one of the schools pushing hardest for the talented forward.
At the same time, Momcilovic continues receiving positive feedback from NBA teams during the pre-draft process, making his upcoming decision one of the more intriguing storylines to watch over the next week.
Predictions on Milan Momcilovic’s future
Chris Beasmore
For me, I do believe Milan Momcilovic returns to college basketball and ultimately suits up for Kentucky next season.
Advertisement
After Mark Pope and his staff missed out on the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 class, 5-star forward Tyran Stokes, Kentucky needs a true star-caliber addition to this roster, and Momcilovic would immediately provide that. While I do not know if adding him alone suddenly makes Kentucky the clear national title favorite, I absolutely believe he would raise the ceiling of this team into a legitimate second-weekend NCAA Tournament team with Elite Eight and possibly Final Four potential.
Momcilovic’s fit in Pope’s system also makes too much sense. Kentucky needs another elite scorer and floor spacer, and the Iowa State transfer is one of the best shooters in college basketball. Another season at the college level could also greatly benefit his NBA stock long term, especially in a loaded draft class.
Louisville feels like a serious contender simply because it feels like they currently have unlimited NIL money, similar to what Kentucky had last offseason. But we also saw that simply spending big does not automatically guarantee success.
Meanwhile, St. John’s missed out on Arizona transfer Massamba Diop after he committed to Gonzaga, meaning Rick Pitino and his staff likely still have significant resources available to pursue another major addition.
Advertisement
With Pope already losing one recruiting battle to Pitino for Donnie Freeman, landing Momcilovic would be a massive statement for Kentucky heading into next season.
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to UK.
Ethan Dewitt
Honestly, a return to college basketball has always seemed like the correct choice, and that is what will happen here.
Why Kentucky? Well, once again, it just makes the most sense. The Cats can offer a ton of money, a ton of minutes, and a star role. Mark Pope and his staff will have to really hit this recruitment running, but get a win here, and things seemingly go from doom and gloom to legitimate hope for the 2026-27 season.
Advertisement
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to UK.
Brady Thomas
Milan Momcilovic could really use another year at the college level, but unfortunately, I don’t see him playing at Kentucky next season.
The Wildcats’ coaching staff has been incredibly interested in Momcilovic ever since he entered the transfer portal, but they’re not the only team interested. Louisville and St. John’s are also potential suitors, and I see the Wisconsin native playing for Rick Pitino next year, as he fits the Johnnies play style very well.
Plus, Pitino has far more credibility and a team that Momcilovic could turn into a Final Four contender. And until Mark Pope can prove he can land one of these elite transfers/high school prospects, it’s hard to pick him to win such a recruitment.
Advertisement
Prediction: Returns to school but not UK.
Dylan Ballard
I think Kentucky gets Momcilovic. He’s already spoken highly of Mark Pope and the offense. He sees that UK needs a shooter, and he’d be the absolute perfect fit as a wing for this team.
I actually think Milan wants to stay in the draft, but at a reported $5-6 million price tag waiting for him in the portal and only a second-round projection in front of him, the math is too hard to ignore. He ends up in Kentucky.
And even though I think Mark Pope has mismanaged this offseason, if Momcilovic is a Cat, then the UK head coach ends up with a pretty promising roster.
Advertisement
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to UK.
Drew Holbrook
Milan’s decision is an interesting one. The Wildcats definitely have a void for a proven knockdown shooter. Kam Williams and even Braydon Hawthorne can step in that role, but having a guy like Momcilovic elevates the lineup.
I don’t think he stays in the draft, as there are too many talented players, and he is sitting on a second-round projection. Momcilovic is also going to command a heavy NIL fee and make a lot of money if he returns to school. I think he does that in Lexington.
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to UK.
Advertisement
Tristan Pharis
While there is an argument to be made that this Kentucky roster has improved in many areas from last year’s roster, there is a concern about the lack of star power. Not that a team can’t be successful without a star, but it makes it much easier.
There is certainly hope that Moreno can make a jump from an All-SEC freshman season, but there is no one on the roster who has proven they are an all-conference-caliber player.
However, one such player being targeted by Kentucky is Milan Momcilovic. He has also yet to withdraw from the NBA Draft, but he is solidly projected as a second-round pick and has not received a promise. While there are athleticism and defense concerns NBA teams have, there is certainly room in college for a 6-foot-8 wing who is elite from deep, should he decide to return to school, which most expect him to.
Advertisement
The Second-Team All-Big 12 selection became the first player in college basketball history to lead the country in both 3-point percentage (48.6%) and 3-pointers (136) made in a single season. With a Kentucky team that needs a proven shooter and has a big role on the wing they can offer, there is a clear fit. Momcilovic echoed the same at the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month, saying, “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.”
This staff has failed to close on several targets this — Tyran Stokes, Donnie Freeman — and they need to prove they can do it. Looking at the competitors, though, Kentucky makes the most sense. There is a basketball fit, a role, and the ability to make him one of the highest-paid players in the country next season.
I believe Momcilovic will withdraw from the NBA Draft, and I am very bullish on Kentucky’s chances with him.
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to UK.
