Kentucky basketball is officially back in practice, and Mark Pope is already getting an early look at what his roster could bring to the floor this season.
One player in particular is beginning to attract attention as the Wildcats prepare for the 2026–27 campaign: Milan Momcilovic.
The highly regarded transfer entered Lexington with a reputation as one of the best shooters in college basketball, and his ability to stretch the floor could become a major part of Pope’s offensive plans.
Momcilovic’s shooting has been one of the biggest talking points surrounding his arrival at Kentucky. At Iowa State, he established himself as a dangerous perimeter weapon, and the Wildcats are hoping that same shooting touch can translate immediately in Lexington.
His early practice period has come with one important caveat. Momcilovic has been working his way back from a finger injury involving his shooting hand, which has required some caution as Kentucky begins its official preparations.
Still, the talent is obvious.
For Pope, having a forward capable of knocking down difficult shots from the perimeter creates another dimension for an offense that already features significant size and athleticism.
Defenses cannot simply collapse into the paint when Momcilovic is on the floor. His shooting can force opponents to defend farther away from the basket, potentially creating more room for Kentucky’s guards and big men to operate.
That could be especially important alongside Malachi Moreno, who enters the season as one of the Wildcats’ key interior pieces after returning from the NBA Draft process.
While Momcilovic is generating attention for his shooting, Moreno provides Kentucky with a different type of threat through his size, rebounding and interior presence.
The Wildcats also have several other players competing for important roles, including guard Mason Williams and forward Justin McBride, giving Pope plenty of options as he begins determining his rotation.
There is still a long way to go before Kentucky opens the regular season, and practice performances alone do not determine what happens once the games begin.
But with official practice now underway, Big Blue Nation finally has an opportunity to see how Pope’s pieces fit together.
And if Momcilovic can stay healthy and regain his full rhythm, his shooting could become one of the most important weapons on Kentucky’s roster this season.
