Milan Momcilovic has emerged as one of the most important names on Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball’s radar as head coach Mark Pope looks to complete the roster for the 2026–27 season.
The former Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball standout is currently testing the waters for the NBA Draft, but he is also considering a return to college basketball. If he decides to withdraw from the draft, Kentucky is widely viewed as one of the leading programs in contention for his commitment.
At 6-foot-8, Momcilovic is regarded as one of the premier shooters in college basketball. Last season, he led Division I in three-point percentage at 48.7 percent and knocked down 136 three-pointers, making him a highly attractive option for any program looking to add elite floor spacing.
Speaking with Lexington Herald-Leader reporter Ben Roberts, Momcilovic acknowledged that the financial opportunities available through NIL are a significant factor in his decision-making process.
“I could get more money in college — that’s the bottom line — than a contract in the NBA right now.”
Momcilovic also noted that only a small group of schools remain under consideration because few programs still have both available scholarships and the NIL resources needed to compete.
“There’s not a lot of schools that still have a lot of money and a lot of roster spots left. It’s going to be three or four.”
Kentucky is believed to be among that select group, along with Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball and St.
John’s Red Storm men’s basketball.
Although Pope has not yet spoken directly with Momcilovic, Kentucky’s staff has maintained communication through his representatives while he focuses on the pre-draft process.
Most importantly for Kentucky fans, Momcilovic openly praised Pope’s style of play.
“I think Kentucky would be a good fit. I obviously went against Pope at BYU his first year in the Big 12, and I loved how his team played.”
Kentucky is also awaiting the NBA Draft decision of Malachi Moreno, who has generated increasing buzz as a potential first-round selection.
If Moreno returns and Kentucky lands Momcilovic, the Wildcats could quickly transform into one of the most dangerous teams in the country entering Pope’s third season in Lexington.
For Big Blue Nation, Momcilovic’s latest comments are a strong indication that Kentucky remains very much in the hunt for one of the best available transfers in college basketball.
