Kentucky fans are anxiously waiting on Milan Momcilovic’s decision, and for good reason. The Iowa State star could completely change the look of Mark Pope’s roster heading into the 2026-27 season. However, even if Momcilovic chooses another school, the Wildcats still have enough talent to put together a dangerous lineup. If he picks Kentucky, though, the ceiling of this team could rise to an entirely different level.
As the battle for Momcilovic continues between Kentucky, Louisville, and Arizona, Mark Pope appears to have two very different but equally intriguing paths for his starting lineup.
Momcilovic is one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-8 forward has established himself as one of college basketball’s elite shooters, connecting on more than 45% of his three-point attempts. Players with that combination of size and shooting ability are rare, making him a valuable addition for any program fortunate enough to land him.
Kentucky’s Potential Lineup Without Momcilovic
Even if the Wildcats miss out on the Iowa State standout, the roster remains loaded with talent and versatility.
Projected Starting Five:
PG: Zoom Diallo
SG: Alex Wilkins
SF: Braydon Hawthorne
PF: Kam Williams
C: Malachi Moreno
This lineup offers a balanced mix of athleticism, scoring potential, and upside. Diallo and Wilkins are known for attacking the basket and creating offense off the dribble. While both are still developing as perimeter shooters, improvements from either player could dramatically expand Kentucky’s offensive options.
Braydon Hawthorne enters the season with significant anticipation surrounding his development after redshirting last season. Once viewed as a top-35 prospect nationally, he now has an opportunity to prove why he was so highly regarded.
Kam Williams provides valuable floor spacing and perimeter shooting, while Malachi Moreno brings enormous potential in the paint. The talented center is expected to become a major contributor on the boards and could quickly emerge as one of the SEC’s most impactful young big men.
Kentucky’s depth would also be a major strength. Ousmane N’Diaye, Jerone Morton, Justin McBride, Franck Kepnang, Trent Noah, and Reece Potter would give Pope multiple lineup combinations and allow the Wildcats to adjust their style depending on the matchup.
The Game-Changing Scenario: Momcilovic Chooses Kentucky
If Kentucky wins the recruiting battle, the Wildcats could field one of the most dangerous offensive lineups in college basketball.
Projected Starting Five:
PG: Zoom Diallo
SG: Alex Wilkins
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Milan Momcilovic
C: Malachi Moreno
Adding Momcilovic instantly transforms Kentucky’s offense. His elite shooting ability would force defenses to extend far beyond the three-point line, creating additional driving lanes for Diallo and Wilkins.
With both Momcilovic and Williams capable of knocking down shots at a high rate, opposing defenses would face difficult decisions on every possession. The added spacing could unlock a level of offensive versatility that Kentucky lacked at times last season.
The biggest concern with this lineup would likely be rebounding. Momcilovic averaged only three rebounds per game during his time at Iowa State, meaning Moreno and the rest of Kentucky’s frontcourt would need to carry more responsibility on the glass.
Still, the offensive upside is undeniable. Few teams would be able to match the combination of shooting, skill, and scoring options this group could bring to the floor.
A Better Problem for Mark Pope
One of Kentucky’s biggest challenges last season was its inability to consistently adapt when opponents disrupted the Wildcats’ preferred offensive approach. This roster appears much better equipped to handle a variety of situations and matchups.
Whether Momcilovic ultimately chooses Kentucky or another destination, Pope has assembled a roster with more versatility, depth, and lineup flexibility than a year ago.
Now, all eyes remain on Momcilovic. His decision could arrive at any moment, and it may ultimately determine whether Kentucky enters next season as a strong contender—or a legitimate national championship threat. One commitment could be all that stands between a very good Kentucky team and the dream lineup Big Blue Nation has been waiting to see.
