Kentucky remains firmly involved in the pursuit of Iowa State transfer forward Milan Momcilovic as he continues to evaluate his future and decide whether to remain in the NBA Draft or return to college basketball.
At the moment, Momcilovic has three possible paths ahead of him: stay in the NBA Draft, return to college and join Kentucky, or head back to another collegiate program. No matter which route he ultimately chooses, the talented forward is expected to be one of the most sought-after players available if he withdraws from the draft.
In today’s game, players who combine size with elite shooting are among the most coveted assets in college basketball, and Momcilovic fits that description perfectly. The 6-foot-8 forward developed into one of the nation’s premier stretch forwards during his time at Iowa State, showcasing impressive scoring ability and consistent perimeter shooting.
Because of those skills, many around college basketball believe Momcilovic could command between $5 million and $6 million in NIL opportunities should he return to school. Kentucky is widely viewed as one of the programs making a significant push to land him.
Meanwhile, Momcilovic has continued to receive encouraging evaluations from NBA teams throughout the pre-draft process, making his final decision one of the most closely watched developments over the coming days.
Predictions on Milan Momcilovic’s Future
Chris Beasmore
I believe Milan Momcilovic ultimately returns to college basketball and ends up wearing Kentucky blue next season.
After missing out on five-star forward Tyran Stokes, Kentucky and head coach Mark Pope need a true impact player to elevate the roster. Momcilovic would immediately fill that role. While his addition alone may not instantly make Kentucky the national championship favorite, it would significantly raise the team’s ceiling and strengthen its chances of making a deep NCAA Tournament run, potentially reaching the Elite Eight or even the Final Four.
His fit within Pope’s offensive system is almost ideal. Kentucky needs another elite scorer and floor spacer, and Momcilovic is among the best shooters in college basketball. Another collegiate season could also enhance his long-term NBA outlook, particularly in a strong draft class.
Louisville Cardinals remains a legitimate threat because of its significant NIL resources. However, recent history has shown that spending heavily does not always guarantee success.
At the same time, St. John’s Red Storm appears capable of making a strong push after missing out on Arizona transfer Massamba Diop. Head coach Rick Pitino and his staff likely still have substantial resources available for another major addition.
With Pope already losing the recruitment battle for Donnie Freeman, landing Momcilovic would send a powerful message about Kentucky’s future direction.
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to Kentucky.
Ethan Dewitt
A return to college basketball has always felt like the most logical outcome, and I expect that to be the case here.
Why Kentucky? Simply because it checks every box. The Wildcats can offer significant NIL compensation, major playing time, and a featured role in the offense. Pope and his staff will need to make a strong recruiting push, but securing Momcilovic could completely change the narrative surrounding Kentucky’s offseason and restore optimism for the 2026-27 campaign.
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to Kentucky.
Brady Thomas
Momcilovic would benefit greatly from another season in college basketball, but I am not convinced that season will be spent in Lexington.
Kentucky has shown strong interest since he entered the transfer portal, but the Wildcats face stiff competition. Louisville and St. John’s are both serious contenders, and I believe Momcilovic eventually lands with Pitino and the Red Storm, where his skill set aligns well with their style of play.
Additionally, Pitino brings a proven track record and a roster that could realistically contend for a Final Four appearance. Until Pope consistently wins recruiting battles for elite transfers and prospects, it’s difficult to project Kentucky as the favorite in situations like this.
Prediction: Returns to school but not Kentucky.
Dylan Ballard
I think Kentucky ultimately gets its man.
Momcilovic has already spoken positively about Pope and Kentucky’s offensive approach. He understands the Wildcats need a proven shooter, and he would fit seamlessly into that role.
While I believe he would prefer to remain in the NBA Draft, reports suggesting a $5-6 million NIL market combined with a projected second-round draft status make returning to college a very attractive option. In the end, I see him choosing Kentucky.
Even with concerns about Kentucky’s offseason, adding Momcilovic would leave Pope with a roster capable of making serious noise next season.
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to Kentucky.
Drew Holbrook
Momcilovic’s decision remains one of the most fascinating storylines of the offseason.
Kentucky clearly needs a reliable perimeter shooter. Players like Kam Williams and Braydon Hawthorne can help fill that need, but adding a proven player like Momcilovic would significantly strengthen the lineup.
I do not expect him to stay in the NBA Draft given the depth of talent available and his current second-round projections. The NIL opportunities awaiting him in college basketball are substantial, and I think he ultimately takes advantage of them in Lexington.
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to Kentucky.
Tristan Pharis
Kentucky’s roster may have improved in several areas compared to last season, but questions remain regarding star power. While teams can succeed without a true star, having one certainly makes the path easier.
There is optimism that Malachi Moreno can build on his impressive freshman campaign, but there is currently no player on the roster who has firmly established himself as an all-conference-caliber performer.
That is where Momcilovic enters the conversation.
Although he remains in the NBA Draft pool, he is generally projected as a second-round selection and has not reportedly received a guaranteed promise. NBA teams have concerns regarding athleticism and defense, but there will always be demand in college basketball for a 6-foot-8 wing who can shoot at an elite level from beyond the arc.
The Second-Team All-Big 12 selection became the first player in college basketball history to lead the nation in both three-point percentage (48.6%) and total three-pointers made (136) during a single season. Kentucky’s need for a proven shooter and available role on the wing create a natural fit.
Momcilovic acknowledged that connection during the NBA Draft Combine, stating, “If I were to choose Kentucky, that would be a good fit for me. I feel like I’d be a great player for him, and he’d be a good coach for me.”
Kentucky’s coaching staff has come up short with several major targets, including Stokes and Freeman, making this recruitment particularly important. However, when comparing the available options, Kentucky appears to offer the strongest combination of basketball fit, opportunity, and financial incentives.
I believe Momcilovic withdraws from the NBA Draft and that Kentucky is in an excellent position to secure his commitment.
Prediction: Withdraws from the draft and commits to Kentucky.
As Milan Momcilovic’s decision approaches, Kentucky continues to emerge as one of the strongest contenders for the highly sought-after forward. With elite shooting ability, proven production, and the potential for a massive NIL package, Momcilovic has become one of the most important names left on the Wildcats’ radar. While competition from Louisville and St. John’s remains fierce, the combination of Mark Pope’s system, a prominent role, and Kentucky’s resources could ultimately prove too appealing to pass up. If Momcilovic does return to college basketball and chooses Lexington, it would instantly become one of the most impactful additions of the offseason and could dramatically reshape expectations for Kentucky heading into the 2026-27 season.