Kentucky basketball’s pursuit of Milan Momcilovic is gaining serious momentum, but Mark Pope may still have one significant obstacle to overcome.
The former Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball standout has emerged as one of the Wildcats’ top transfer portal targets as Pope looks to add another elite scorer to the 2026–27 roster.
Momcilovic is currently testing the National Basketball Association Draft waters, but if he returns to college, Kentucky is expected to be one of the leading contenders for his commitment.
The challenge, however, is rooted in a painful memory from last season.
The NCAA Tournament Loss That Still Stings
Kentucky’s 2025–26 campaign ended in disappointing fashion when Iowa State overwhelmed the Wildcats 87–68 in the second round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Momcilovic was a major reason why, scoring 20 points and showcasing exactly why he is now one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal.
For Big Blue Nation, that game remains one of the most frustrating moments of Pope’s tenure.
Kentucky entered the season with high expectations, but injuries and roster limitations contributed to a 14-loss season and the program’s lowest Southeastern Conference finish in history. The loss to Iowa State exposed many of the same issues that plagued the Wildcats throughout the year.
Now, Pope is trying to turn one of the players who helped end Kentucky’s season into one of the cornerstones of its future.
Milan Momcilovic Clearly Believes in Mark Pope
Despite what happened in March, Momcilovic has spoken glowingly about Pope and the style of basketball he wants to play.
The talented forward said he admired Pope’s teams at Brigham Young University and praised the up-tempo offense built around spacing and three-point shooting. He also noted that Kentucky did not have enough shooters last season to fully execute the system the way Pope intended.
That statement is a major reason for optimism.
It suggests Momcilovic not only respects Pope as a coach, but also believes he would be an ideal fit in Kentucky’s offensive scheme.
Louisville Is Looming as Kentucky’s Biggest Threat
Kentucky is not alone in this recruitment.
University of Louisville men’s basketball and head coach Pat Kelsey are also making a strong push for Momcilovic. The Cardinals have assembled one of the nation’s top transfer classes, and landing the former Iowa State star would be another massive win for their program.
For Kentucky, losing Momcilovic to its biggest rival would be a painful blow.
Pope has already missed on several key targets this offseason, making Momcilovic one of the most important remaining pieces on the board.
The Decision Could Shape Kentucky’s Season
Kentucky needs another proven scorer and elite shooter, and Momcilovic checks every box.
He has already shown he can perform on the biggest stage, and his skill set appears tailor-made for Pope’s system. More importantly, he seems to believe in what Kentucky is building.
The only question now is whether the Wildcats can overcome the lingering memory of last season and convince Momcilovic that Lexington is where he belongs.
If they do, Kentucky may land the final piece that transforms this roster into a legitimate national championship contender.
