Kentucky fans may have another reason to circle the rivalry matchup with Louisville this season.
When Milan Momcilovic entered the transfer portal, several programs were interested in landing the Iowa State star. Among them was Louisville, and according to Momcilovic himself, the Cardinals came surprisingly close to securing his commitment.
Momcilovic ultimately chose Kentucky, giving Mark Pope one of the most accomplished perimeter shooters available in the transfer portal. But during his recruitment, Louisville was reportedly one of his final two options.
“I mean it was probably my final two, to be honest. I really liked what Pat Kelsey had to say,” Momcilovic said.
He then joked about the rivalry after arriving in Lexington.
“Obviously, now that I’m here, I know everyone hates them, so I don’t want to praise them too much.”
Despite ultimately choosing Kentucky, Momcilovic made it clear that he had respect for what Louisville and Kelsey presented during the recruiting process.
“But you know, in the recruiting process, everyone tells you what you want to hear… I have respect for them and how they did it. But obviously, I chose here.”
That decision could make the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry even more interesting.
Momcilovic arrives at Kentucky following an impressive season at Iowa State. The 6-foot-8 forward connected on 48.7% of his three-point attempts while knocking down 136 three-pointers. He averaged 16.9 points per game and established himself as one of the most dangerous shooting threats in the transfer portal.
Louisville already assembled an experienced roster under Pat Kelsey, adding several significant pieces through the transfer portal. But Momcilovic potentially joining the Cardinals would have given them another elite shooting option and a versatile frontcourt weapon.
Instead, he will wear Kentucky blue.
Now, the recruiting what-if becomes part of the rivalry. Kentucky and Louisville are scheduled to meet on December 12, giving Momcilovic an early opportunity to face the program that came close to landing him.
For Kentucky fans, the storyline is simple: Louisville wanted him, Momcilovic seriously considered the Cardinals, but ultimately, he chose the Wildcats.
