Milan Momcilovic arrives in Lexington with a reputation that immediately changes how Kentucky has to be defended. The Iowa State transfer forward didn’t just shoot well last season—he led the entire nation in three-point shooting efficiency, finishing at a blistering 48.7% from deep while knocking down 136 triples. That kind of shooting doesn’t just space the floor; it warps defensive schemes.
But beyond the stats, there’s a collection of lesser-known details that help explain how he got here—and why Kentucky fans are so excited about what comes next under Mark Pope.
A shooting rise built on adjustment and confidence
Momcilovic’s offensive evolution didn’t happen overnight. As a freshman at Iowa State, he showed flashes of elite shooting touch, making 61 threes while shooting 35.9% from deep. For most players, that would already be impressive. For him, it was just the beginning.
By his sophomore season, the leap was obvious. His percentage climbed to 39.6%, and his confidence grew with it. Then came the breakout year—one of the best shooting seasons in the country—where he became the most efficient volume shooter in college basketball.
The jump wasn’t just mechanical. It was mental.
The “jellybean” secret that changed everything
At the center of Momcilovic’s improvement is an unusual mental cue developed with a sports psychologist: silently saying the word “jellybean” before shooting.
It sounds almost too simple, but the purpose is clear—clear the mind, remove doubt, and eliminate overthinking in the split second before the release.
Instead of focusing on defenders, pressure, or mechanics, the word acts as a reset button.
The result speaks for itself: smoother rhythm, quicker release, and one of the most lethal catch-and-shoot profiles in college basketball.
Strong basketball roots and unexpected connections
Momcilovic’s path to Kentucky also comes with some interesting background ties. He grew up in Wisconsin and played AAU basketball in the Nike EYBL circuit for Team Herro, a program connected to NBA guard Tyler Herro’s family.
He and his younger brother Luka were teammates in that system, playing alongside and around members of the Herro family, forming connections that followed them through high school basketball circles. Those early experiences placed him in competitive environments against top national talent long before college.
His family’s athletic background also stretches beyond basketball. His father played collegiate volleyball at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, adding another layer of athletic pedigree to the household.
NIL experience already in motion
Momcilovic is also already familiar with the business side of college basketball. At Iowa State, he built NIL partnerships with brands including KwikStar, MediaCom, and Crush Soda. With his stock rising rapidly, his NIL value is reportedly already in the multimillion-dollar range.
At Kentucky, that number is expected to grow even further given the spotlight of playing in the SEC and under one of the most visible programs in the country.
A personality that stands out
Beyond the numbers and scouting reports, Momcilovic has a few quirks that make him memorable. He doesn’t have a middle name, a rare detail for a high-profile athlete.
He’s also joked about his dislike for mosquitoes and once mentioned that if basketball weren’t an option, he’d consider something as unusual as running a mosquito-related business. That blend of humor and business curiosity aligns with his off-court interests as a business major.
Even his time at Iowa State came with a fan-given nickname—“Mommy”—which became a lighthearted part of his identity among Cyclone supporters.
What he brings to Kentucky
For Kentucky, the impact is straightforward: elite spacing and instant shooting gravity.
Momcilovic forces defenses to stay attached at all times. He punishes help defense, stretches bigs away from the rim, and gives Kentucky a reliable perimeter scoring threat who doesn’t need high usage to dominate a game.
On a roster being built for versatility under Mark Pope, that skill set is exactly what unlocks modern offensive structure.
If the shooting numbers carry over—and if the “jellybean” mindset travels with him—Kentucky may have just added one of the most dangerous perimeter weapons in college basketball.
