Milan Momcilovic, the sharpshooter who topped the nation in 3‑point percentage last season, announced that he will not enter the 2026 NBA draft. Instead, the 6‑foot‑8 forward will return to college basketball, a decision that has immediate ramifications for the sport’s power‑house programs.
During his junior year at Iowa State, Momcilovic averaged 16.9 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting an eye‑catching 48.7 % from beyond the arc, hitting 136 three‑pointers in just 37 games. His accuracy placed him at the summit of the NCAA’s long‑range threats, a performance that drew praise from analysts and fans alike.
A Sharpshooter’s Return
Coach Mark Pope of the University of Kentucky is now piecing together a roster that could finally break the Wildcats out of the recent slump in preseason rankings. With the potential addition of Momcilovic, Pope hopes to unleash a high‑volume 3‑point offense that mirrors the modern game’s emphasis on spacing and shooting.
The list of suitors includes Kentucky, Louisville, St. John’s and UCLA, but the coach has repeatedly emphasized that the Wildcats are among the front‑runners. National commentators suggest that a commitment from Momcilovic, coupled with the return of forward Malachi Moreno, could vault Kentucky into the top‑15 conversation.
Momcilovic noted that his options would be limited if he decides to stay in school, underscoring the significance of each remaining recruiting battle. Meanwhile, UK’s incoming players are expected on campus in early June, kicking off an eight‑week summer practice session that will give the new coaching staff a chance to integrate the talent before the season begins.