A pivotal crossroads for the Cyclones standout
Milan Momcilovic, the Iowa State Cyclones’ sharpshooting forward, is among the names surfacing as the NBA draft conversation heats up. Alongside teammates Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson, he is preparing for the next step, but his situation is unique: he remains the only Cyclone with a year of eligibility left.
Momcilovic capped the 2025‑26 campaign by leading the nation in both three‑point makes and shooting percentage, draining 136 treys at a 48.7% clip. That performance has turned heads across the league, even as NBA executives publicly advise him to remain in college for another season.
Coach optimism and NBA whispers
His former coach, T.J. Otzelberger, sees a different narrative, expressing confidence that Momcilovic’s shooting prowess could earn him a first‑round selection. Yet he also flags concerns about the player’s athleticism that could affect his draft stock.
If Momcilovic elects to return to college, analysts predict he could ascend to the top spot in the transfer portal, a move that would keep him under the Cyclones’ banner for another year and potentially reshape the team’s dynamics.
The decision comes amid a broader buzz surrounding the Cyclones program, with teammates and staff watching closely. Bill Seals, Leon Bond and Jake Brend, among others, are part of the roster that could feel the ripple effects of Momcilovic’s choice.