Kentucky basketball has suffered another concerning setback just weeks before the start of the 2026-27 season.
Star forward Milan Momcilovic has reportedly fractured the index finger on his shooting hand during practice, creating immediate questions about his availability for Kentucky’s preseason schedule and potentially the opening game of the regular season.
The injury comes at a particularly difficult time for Mark Pope and the Wildcats.
Momcilovic was expected to be one of the most important pieces of Kentucky’s revamped roster after transferring from Iowa State. The talented forward brings elite shooting ability and floor-spacing to a team that was counting on him to make a major impact.
Now, Kentucky must wait for more information about his recovery.
The exact severity of the fracture and whether Momcilovic will require surgery have not been publicly confirmed. A medical source cited in the original report noted that finger fractures can typically require approximately four to eight weeks of recovery, depending on the location of the fracture and the treatment required.
That timeline could potentially affect Momcilovic’s preseason preparation and exhibition availability.
The timing does provide Kentucky with one reason for optimism. The Wildcats are still roughly two months away from the beginning of the regular season, giving Momcilovic valuable time to recover.
Still, missing practice time could be significant.
Momcilovic was expected to spend the preseason developing chemistry with Kentucky’s new-look roster and learning Pope’s system. Any extended absence could make that process more difficult, particularly with the Wildcats already having experienced major roster uncertainty this offseason.
Kentucky’s latest setback also comes just days after the stunning Mark Mitchell situation.
Mitchell had appeared set to join the Wildcats after receiving a temporary injunction that opened the door for another season of college basketball. However, following weeks of uncertainty surrounding NCAA and SEC eligibility rules, Mitchell ultimately decided to return to Missouri.
His departure left Kentucky with an open roster spot and removed a player who was expected to provide size, physicality and versatility at power forward.
Now, Momcilovic’s injury adds another concern.
Kentucky still has considerable talent on the roster, including sophomore center Malachi Moreno and forwards Ousmane N’Diaye and Justin McBride. However, Momcilovic’s shooting makes him particularly valuable to the Wildcats’ offensive plans.
For now, Kentucky fans will have to wait for an official recovery timeline.
With Big Blue Madness approaching, the Wildcats were hoping to build momentum heading into Pope’s third season. Instead, another injury has given Big Blue Nation something new to worry about.
The biggest question now is simple: Will Milan Momcilovic be healthy enough to take the court when Kentucky’s season officially begins?
