Milan Momcilovic, a 6‑foot‑8 forward who shot 48.7% from three‑point range last season, is the No. 2 player in the 247Sports transfer rankings this spring. The Iowa State junior is now weighing a move to either the University of Kentucky or Louisville for the 2026‑27 campaign.
A critical recruitment window
Kentucky’s transfer class, already positioned No. 13 nationally, could see a dramatic rise with Momcilovic’s addition. Coach Mark Pope and his staff view the recruit as a cornerstone that could push the Wildcats into the conversation for a top‑tier team.
Louisville, meanwhile, has secured the top‑ranked transfer prospect, Flory Bidunga, and is looking to build around that talent. The Cardinals hope the presence of Bidunga will offset any potential loss should Momcilovic choose the opposite path.
The decision comes as the international recruiting deadline for the 2026 NBA draft approaches on June 13. That deadline adds urgency to the calculus for both schools, as they race to finalize rosters before the summer.
Other moves in the transfer portal are also shaping the landscape. St. John’s, under former Kentucky coach Rick Pitino, added former Baylor guard Tounde Yessoufou, while Arkansas, led by former UK coach John Calipari, saw sharpshooting guard Meleek Thomas opt for the 2026 draft.
Kentucky’s summer practice session is slated to begin the week of June 15, a timeline that could influence Momcilovic’s final choice. Rumors also link the Wildcats to 7‑3 Italian center Luigi Suigo, who has expressed interest in Villanova and BYU, though no commitment has been made.
The broader picture includes a host of other recruits and coaches making headlines. Mark Pope, Pat Kelsey, Billy Richmond III, Victor Wembanyama, Alex Samodurov, Ian Jackson, Donnie Freeman, Ben Roberts and others are all part of a busy offseason that will shape next season’s competitive balance.