With the NCAA’s withdrawal deadline looming on May 27, college basketball circles are abuzz with speculation about which underclassmen will decide to stay in school for another season. The conversation centers on two Kentucky Wildcats prospects whose plans could shape the team’s outlook for next year.
Predictions and Expectations
CBS Sports analyst Isaac Trotter predicts that point guard Malachi Moreno will indeed return to Kentucky for his sophomore year, a forecast echoed by The Athletic’s Brendan Marks, who also expects forward Milan Momcilovic to remain in college. NBA.com reporter Krysten Peek adds that the Wildcats’ staff may have encouraged Moreno to sit out scrimmages as a precaution against injury, a strategy that could influence his long‑term health and draft outlook.
Momcilovic’s Uncertain Destination
Momcilovic’s own destination remains unsettled. While he is expected to return to campus, the exact program he will choose is still open, with Kentucky, Louisville, St. John’s and UCLA all mentioned as potential suitors. The Athletic’s Brendan Marks has also weighed in, reinforcing the notion that a decision is still pending.
Strategic Moves on the Court
The discussion also highlights a broader trend: many players who participate in preseason scrimmages are either seniors or athletes who are already confident about their draft status. Moreno’s possible withdrawal from those sessions underscores a cautious approach that could affect his development and the team’s chemistry as the roster takes shape.
What’s at Stake
As the deadline approaches, coaches, teammates and fans alike are watching closely, aware that these decisions will shape not only individual careers but also the Wildcats’ prospects for the upcoming season. Whatever the final choices, the early signals suggest that Kentucky will retain at least one key sophomore, while Momcilovic’s recruitment picture remains fluid. The coming weeks will likely bring clarity, but for now the narrative is one of anticipation and strategic planning.