The University of Arizona’s men’s basketball program is riding the momentum of a Final Four appearance last season, but the excitement is tempered by a looming question mark on the roster. Freshman forward Koa Peat has declared for the NBA draft, and his ultimate choice — whether to sign a professional contract or return to college — will ripple through the Wildcats’ plans for the upcoming fall.
A Roster in Flux
If Peat decides to stay in the draft, Arizona will need to replace his inside presence and scoring punch. One name that has surfaced in early speculation is Milan Momcilovic, a junior swingman from Iowa State who has emerged as one of the nation’s most lethal three‑point shooters.
Momcilovic finished the previous campaign atop the country in made threes, draining 136 shots at a 48.7% clip, and he averaged 16.9 points per game while guiding the Cyclones to a 29‑8 record and a Sweet 16 berth. His shooting efficiency and ability to stretch the floor have made him a coveted asset for programs looking to bolster perimeter firepower.
The Draft Deadline
The underclassmen withdrawal deadline is set for 8:59 p.m. MST on Wednesday, May 27, giving Peat and other prospects a narrow window to change course. The NBA draft itself is slated for June 23‑24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where Momcilovic is currently projected as an early‑to‑mid second‑round selection.
Coach Tommy Lloyd and his staff have not publicly disclosed a definitive list of targets, but insiders suggest the Wildcats are monitoring the transfer portal closely. Other programs such as the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and St. John’s University are also reportedly in the mix for Momcilovic’s services.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the immediate roster calculus, the Wildcats’ recruiting strategy will hinge on how quickly they can adapt to potential departures. The team’s depth chart will be reshaped, and the chemistry built around returning players like Motiejus Krivas, Ivan Kharchenkov, Caleb Holt, Brayden Burries, and Jeff Goodman will be tested.