It’s officially NBA Draft withdrawal deadline day, and while Big Blue Nation avoided one major scare already, another massive storyline is still hanging over Kentucky basketball.
Thankfully, Malachi Moreno already made his decision to return, saving Kentucky fans from a stressful final 24 hours. But now, all eyes have shifted toward one player who could completely reshape next season’s roster: Milan Momcilovic.
The sharpshooting forward from Iowa State has become one of the hottest names connected to Kentucky in recent weeks. After entering both the NBA Draft and transfer portal, Momcilovic instantly became a player Kentucky fans started tracking nonstop. If he withdraws from the draft and returns to college basketball, the Wildcats are believed to be one of the top contenders to land him.
And the timing couldn’t be bigger for Mark Pope.
Kentucky is still looking to strengthen its roster heading into next season, and adding a proven scorer like Momcilovic would be viewed as a major offseason win. The Iowa State forward impressed scouts with his shooting ability and offensive upside, but there’s still uncertainty about whether he’s fully ready for the NBA jump right now.
That’s why Kentucky fans are refreshing social media every few minutes waiting for an update.
Meanwhile, another piece of offseason news disappointed some fans. Kentucky’s expected international summer basketball trip now appears unlikely to happen. Pope originally hoped to take the Wildcats overseas for extra team practices and chemistry-building games, with Israel initially discussed as a destination. But after complications forced those plans to collapse, Kentucky may now skip the trip entirely.
That matters because overseas tours give teams valuable early-game experience before the season starts — especially for a roster still learning to play together under a new era.
On the football side, new Kentucky head coach Will Stein made headlines during the SEC Spring Meetings by publicly supporting College Football Playoff expansion. Stein argued the SEC deserves more playoff representation because of how difficult the league schedule is every year.
Kentucky football recruiting also continues to build momentum. Defensive back prospect Larron Westmoreland announced he will finish his high school career at Corbin after previously starring at Jeffersontown.
And while basketball dominates the headlines, Kentucky baseball is preparing for another NCAA Tournament run. Head coach Nick Mingione and the Wildcats are heading to the Morgantown Regional, where they’ll open postseason play against Wake Forest.
Still, the biggest story in Lexington right now remains Momcilovic.
Will he stay in the NBA Draft?
Will he return to college?
And if he does… will Kentucky win the battle for one of the most important players still available?
Big Blue Nation may not have to wait much longer to find out.
