Kentucky basketball could look completely different depending on what happens over the next few days.
With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline quickly approaching on May 27, all eyes are locked on Malachi Moreno and Milan Momcilovic — two players whose decisions could reshape Mark Pope’s roster for next season.
During a recent appearance on KSR, college basketball insider Jeff Goodman gave fresh insight into both situations, and it’s clear that nothing is guaranteed right now.
Moreno’s situation, in particular, has become far more complicated than many expected.
What once looked like an easy return to Lexington has now turned into a real NBA conversation. While several mock drafts still project Moreno as a second-round pick, a few major outlets have started placing him late in the first round. According to Goodman, that growing buzz is giving Moreno’s camp leverage.
“Most NBA teams have him as a second-rounder,” Goodman explained. “But all it takes is a couple teams.”
That possibility changes everything for Kentucky.
Mark Pope badly needs Moreno back in the frontcourt, and Goodman openly suggested that Moreno’s representatives are likely using the current draft momentum to negotiate a better NIL return package from Kentucky.
And honestly, it makes sense.
Moreno already made it clear that his only options are the NBA or Kentucky, but the uncertainty surrounding his draft stock gives his camp an opportunity to maximize his value before making a final call.
Goodman even admitted that Moreno might currently hold more leverage than almost anyone in college basketball.
At the NBA Draft Combine, Moreno chose not to participate in 5-on-5 scrimmages, saying he believed he was already in a “good spot.” That decision only added more mystery to the process.
Meanwhile, Kentucky fans are also watching Milan Momcilovic closely.
The Iowa State sharpshooter continues to appear in second-round projections, but unlike Moreno, his future destination feels completely wide open if he withdraws from the draft.
Programs like Kentucky, Louisville, and St. John’s are all rumored to be involved, but Goodman revealed that Momcilovic himself may not even know what he wants yet.
Right now, the NBA still appears to be his top focus.
However, if he decides another college season could improve his long-term draft stock — and NIL opportunities become too good to ignore — the recruiting battle could explode overnight.
When asked where Momcilovic would likely land if he stays in college, Goodman leaned toward St. John’s. Still, Kentucky could become a serious player if Mark Pope decides to push aggressively for him.
For now, Big Blue Nation waits.
And with both decisions expected within days, Kentucky’s offseason could be heading toward either a major celebration… or a stressful scramble.
