Kentucky basketball may have just received one of the biggest offseason boosts imaginable.
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline, Iowa State star Milan Momcilovic officially decided to return to college basketball for the 2026-27 season. But here’s the twist that has Kentucky fans buzzing nonstop: he’s still in the transfer portal.
Now, all signs are pointing toward a major recruiting showdown between Kentucky and Louisville — with Mark Pope aggressively pushing to land one of the most dangerous shooters in college basketball.
Momcilovic, a 6-foot-8 forward, became one of the nation’s elite offensive weapons during the 2025-26 season. He averaged 16.9 points per game while leading the entire country in both three-point percentage (48.7%) and total three-pointers made (136).
Kentucky fans already know exactly what he can do.
The Wildcats got a painful firsthand look during the NCAA Tournament when Momcilovic dropped 20 points and knocked down four threes against UK in Iowa State’s win over Kentucky. Ever since then, many fans have believed he would be a perfect fit in Mark Pope’s offense.
And now that possibility suddenly feels very real.
According to multiple reports, Kentucky has emerged as one of the favorites to land Momcilovic, alongside rival Louisville. Arizona has also been connected to him, but most insiders view the Wildcats and Cardinals as the true frontrunners.
On3 even reported Thursday that Kentucky currently has momentum in the race.
For Mark Pope, this recruitment could become one of the defining moments of the offseason.
Kentucky has already filled 13 of its 15 roster spots for next season, but adding a player like Momcilovic would completely change the ceiling of the team. His elite shooting, size, and offensive versatility fit perfectly into Pope’s fast-paced, three-point-heavy system.
The Wildcats have already added transfer pieces like Zoom Diallo, Jerone Morton, Alex Wilkins, Justin McBride, and Franck Kepnang. But fans believe Momcilovic could be the final star piece that turns Kentucky into a true national title contender.
Meanwhile, several other transfer portal and NBA Draft decisions also shook up the college basketball world this week.
Former Baylor guard Tounde Yessoufou withdrew from the draft and committed to St. John’s, giving Rick Pitino another major addition. Santa Clara forward Allen Graves, however, stayed in the draft and is expected to become a first-round NBA pick.
Around the SEC, Vanderbilt star Tyler Tanner, Arkansas guard Billy Richmond III, and Alabama forward Amari Allen all decided to return to college basketball next season.
But the biggest remaining story still revolves around Momcilovic.
Right now, he’s the highest-ranked transfer portal player still available, and Kentucky fans are watching every update closely.
If Pope wins this recruiting battle, it could instantly reshape expectations for the Wildcats heading into next season.
And judging by the growing buzz around Lexington… Big Blue Nation already feels like something huge might be brewing.
