Milan Momcilovic has made an important decision regarding the future of his collegiate basketball career. He had declared for the 2026 NBA draft. However, the forward withdrew his name from the draft to return to college.
Initially, the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals were the top two teams to land Momcilovic. On Monday, On3 reported that the forward decided to join Mark Pope and his team for the upcoming season. On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Momcilovic’s NIL value is worth around $6 million.
“BREAKING: Iowa State star transfer forward Milan Momcilovic has committed to Kentucky, @JoeTipton reports,” the caption read.
Fans on social media shared their reactions to Milan Momcilovic joining Kentucky.
“Biggest downgrade in college basketball,” one fan commented.
“Can’t wait to see Pope ruin his game,” another fan said.
“Pope just out here locking down the studs. Who wouldn’t wanna play for this demon,” a fan wrote.
“Imagine going to the team you beat in the NCAA tournament,” another fan said.
“Looks like Kentucky might finally make a top 25 ranking,” onefan wrote.
“Loved mommy. But Kentucky’s ultimately going to overpay for a guy that is going to return to the mean most likely this year. And Pope will screw itt up anyways,” a fan commented.
Coming out of high school as a four-star recruit, Milan Momcilovic had offers from programs like Virginia, Michigan, UCLA, Creighton and Texas, to name a few. However, he decided to join the Iowa State Cyclones in 2023.
In three seasons, Momcilovic has played in 102 games and averaged 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Last season, he helped the Cyclones make March Madness. However, they were eliminated by the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sweet Sixteen.
CBB analyst Jeff Goodman shares his thoughts on Kentucky adding Milan Momcilovic
On Monday’s episode of “The Field of 68” podcast, analyst Jeff Goodman discussed Milan Momcilovic joining the Kentucky Wildcats.
He highlighted how it was a great addition for Mark Pope and bolsters his team’s chances of emerging as champions in the upcoming season.
“I know that sounds crazy, but I don’t think it is,” Goodman said. “Year 3 is pivotal for Mark Pope and his future in Lexington. And, I think, with Milan Momcilovic, you add not only, maybe the best shooter in the country to a team that sorely needs shooting, but you’re adding a winner. You’re adding a culture guy. You’re adding a guy that helped build that Iowa State program, …
“I also think it’s huge PR wise for Pope. He’s been crucified, absolutely crucified up until a week ago when Malachi Moreno decided he was coming back to school. … You got a starting five that looks like, okay, you know what, you can put them up against most teams not named Florida right now. They can compete, they can probably beat a lot of them.”
Last season, Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats were eliminated by Milan Momcilovic and Iowa State in the round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament.
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