As the 2026-27 college basketball season approaches, national analysts are taking a closer look at the players who could make the biggest impact this season.
Kentucky received plenty of attention in the latest evaluation from CBS Sports writer Isaac Trotter, who broke down the top players at several different positions. The Wildcats were represented across multiple categories, putting several of Mark Pope’s key pieces in the national spotlight.
One of the biggest names recognized was Milan Momcilovic, who was selected as the No. 1 off-ball wing.
That recognition comes after an impressive season at Iowa State. Momcilovic averaged 16.9 points per game while shooting 50.6% from the field and an outstanding 48.7% from three-point range on 7.5 attempts per game.
His ability to stretch the floor could become one of Kentucky’s biggest weapons this season. With defenses also having to account for players such as Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins and Malachi Moreno, Momcilovic could have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
Diallo was also recognized among the top initiator point guards. The Washington transfer averaged 15.7 points and 4.5 assists per game last season and is expected to take over Kentucky’s starting point guard role.
Wilkins earned recognition as a combo guard after averaging 17.8 points and 4.7 assists per game during his freshman season at Furman. His scoring ability and playmaking could give Pope another versatile option in the backcourt.
Meanwhile, Moreno was included among the top true 5s after a promising freshman campaign. He averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 58.2% from the field.
Moreno ultimately returned to Kentucky after entering the NBA Draft process, giving the Wildcats an important piece in the frontcourt.
The CBS Sports recognition does not guarantee anything once the season begins, but it does highlight the individual talent Kentucky brings into the new campaign.
Now, the question is whether Pope can turn that talent into the kind of team success Kentucky fans are expecting when the Wildcats finally take the court.
