Milan Momcilovic, the Iowa State Cyclones forward who set a school record with a 48.7% three‑point shooting percentage last season, is at a crossroads in his basketball career.
A shooting star contemplates his next move
After declaring for the NBA Draft, the forward found that the projected landing spot was not as promising as initially hoped. With his draft stock slipping, he is now weighing the option of returning to college for another season.
The Kentucky Wildcats have emerged as a leading candidate for his next destination. Under head coach Mark Pope, the program is eager to bolster its perimeter shooting and is reportedly preparing a substantial name, image and likeness (NIL) package to entice the sharpshooter.
Kentucky’s push is not just about on‑court performance. The Wildcats are under pressure to rebound from a disappointing season and to close the gap in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference. A commitment from Momcilovic would instantly elevate their offensive arsenal and could shift the balance in their favor.
Momcilovic’s statistical profile is impressive: he averaged 16.9 points per game and shot 48.7% from beyond the arc, numbers that rank among the best in Iowa State history. However, analysts have noted that his defensive contributions and rebounding are below expectations for a player of his size, raising questions about his fit at the next level.
NBA executives and draft analysts have publicly suggested that the forward would benefit from another year of college play, using the additional exposure to improve his defensive fundamentals and draft position.
If he chooses to return, the decision will likely hinge on the financial and promotional opportunities presented by Kentucky’s NIL collective. The Wildcats’ boosters have indicated they are ready to offer a package that could rival the most lucrative deals in college basketball.
The potential move also reverberates through the broader college landscape. With a strong senior class having departed Iowa State, the Cyclones are rebuilding, while other programs may look to fill the void left by Momcilovic’s departure. Meanwhile, the Wildcats aim to capitalize on the opportunity to attract top talent through innovative NIL strategies.