Kentucky Wildcats fans already understood how important Milan Momcilovic could be to Mark Pope’s offense before the season began. However, his first game in a Kentucky uniform offered another glimpse of why the transfer forward could become one of the team’s most dangerous weapons this season.
Kentucky defeated Little Rock 69-49 in its exhibition opener on Friday night, October 16, but the Wildcats had some offensive struggles along the way. One player who helped change the shooting picture was Momcilovic, whose ability to knock down difficult shots immediately caught attention.
After starting the game just 3-for-11 from beyond the arc in the first half, Kentucky finished 12-for-28 from three-point range. Momcilovic accounted for four of those makes, demonstrating why Pope is prepared to give him the freedom to shoot whenever he sees an opportunity.
For a Kentucky team looking to establish itself as one of college basketball’s most dangerous perimeter shooting groups, that kind of production could prove invaluable.
Mark Pope Explains What Makes Momcilovic So Special
Following the exhibition victory, Pope made it clear that Momcilovic will play a significant role in Kentucky’s success. The Wildcats’ head coach also explained why the forward’s shot selection might look questionable at times without necessarily being a problem.
According to Pope, Momcilovic has the rare ability to convert shots that most players would struggle to make.
Pope emphasized that opponents cannot afford to give the sharpshooter much space, regardless of how difficult a potential shot might appear. His shooting ability forces defenders to stay close, creating opportunities for Kentucky’s other players to attack the basket and find open space.
That influence extends beyond his individual scoring numbers. Even when Momcilovic does not have the ball, opposing defenses must remain aware of his location, potentially opening up opportunities for his teammates.
Pope also revealed that Kentucky deliberately kept its offensive approach simple against Little Rock, using just seven offensive sets throughout the game. Despite those limitations, Momcilovic still managed to create problems for the opposing defense.
Opponents May Have to Send Multiple Defenders
Pope expects teams to pay special attention to Momcilovic as the season progresses. Given his reputation as an elite perimeter shooter, opposing coaches will likely look for ways to limit his opportunities.
That could mean sending multiple defenders toward him, making it more difficult for him to find open looks.
However, Pope believes Momcilovic has the composure and confidence to handle that pressure. The coach explained that the forward does not become unsettled when shots fail to fall, trusting that his shooting ability will eventually produce results.
That confidence could be especially important during difficult shooting nights when opponents attempt to disrupt his rhythm.
As Momcilovic becomes more comfortable with his new teammates and Kentucky’s offensive system, his impact could grow even further.
For Pope, the challenge for opposing defenses is already clear: stopping Momcilovic will require constant attention, and that attention could create valuable opportunities for the entire Wildcats roster.
If Kentucky’s other players learn to take advantage of the space his shooting creates, Momcilovic could become an even bigger difference-maker as the Wildcats prepare for the regular season.
