Full Breakdown
Milan Momcilovic’s Draft Decision and Transfer Saga: Kentucky, Louisville, and the Road Ahead
5/16/2026, 10:35:22 PM
The Decision Point: Draft Entry and Transfer Portal
Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic (22) entered the 2026 NBA Draft while simultaneously submitting his name to the NCAA transfer portal. He retains eligibility if he withdraws from the draft by the May 27 deadline, after which he may transfer to another program.
Background: Iowa State Exit and Kentucky Connection
Momcilovic left a Cyclones roster that will lose three starters—Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Nate Heise—after the 2025-26 season. His senior campaign featured a nation-leading 136 made three-pointers (48.7 % accuracy) and a 16.9 ppg average. He first faced Kentucky’s Mark Pope when Pope coached BYU, and later saw Kentucky defeat Iowa State 82-63 in the 2026 NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32.
Key Players & Groups
- Milan Momcilovic – Iowa State forward, 6-8, power forward, top-ranked portal prospect.
- Mark Pope – Head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, former BYU coach.
- Pat Kelsey – Head coach of the Louisville Cardinals, also pursuing Momcilovic.
- Lexington Herald-Leader – Reported Momcilovic’s statements.
- Isaac Trotter (CBS Sports) – Analyst commenting on Momcilovic’s draft outlook.
Numbers That Define Momcilovic
- 136 three-pointers made (nation-leading).
- 48.7 % three-point shooting percentage.
- 7.5 three-point attempts per game.
- 16.9 points per game, 51 % overall field-goal shooting.
- Started 101 games in three seasons at Iowa State.
- Ranked No. 2 overall and No. 1 among power forwards in the transfer portal.
Stakes for Kentucky and the SEC
Kentucky’s offense under Pope emphasizes spacing and perimeter shooting; Momcilovic’s elite three-point ability would address a perceived shortage of shooters from the previous season. Securing him could elevate Kentucky into top-25 contention and strengthen its SEC title bid, while Louisville and St. John’s also view him as a potential roster cornerstone.
Official Statements & Responses
Momcilovic told the *Herald-Leader* that Kentucky’s style “fits” his game and that he could be “a great player for him, and he’d be a good coach for me.” Louisville insiders reported that head coach Pat Kelsey is actively pursuing Momcilovic, noting the Cardinals’ recent portal acquisitions and need for a true three-point specialist. Kentucky’s staff, led by Pope, traveled to Memphis to evaluate Nike EYBL prospects, signaling continued scouting activity. All parties acknowledge the May 27 deadline as the decisive cutoff for Momcilovic’s draft withdrawal and transfer eligibility.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts such as Isaac Trotter suggest Momcilovic’s draft stock may not guarantee a first-round selection, implying a likely return to college. Additionally, Momcilovic noted Kentucky “didn’t have enough shooters” last season, hinting at a systemic shortfall that could affect his fit.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the primary rival for Momcilovic: the *Lexington Herald-Leader* frames the battle as Kentucky vs. Louisville, while other outlets list St. John’s as a co-contender. Mock-draft projections vary, with Wasserman placing him at No. 40 to Boston and other analysts predicting a later selection or undrafted status. No official comment from Pope regarding Momcilovic’s potential transfer has been published.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think Kentucky would be a good fit,” — Milan Momcilovic, *Herald-Leader*
- “I think we went 1-1 against them, but they killed us at their place, because they fly the ball up the court and shoot 3s.” — Milan Momcilovic, *Herald-Leader*
- “I feel like I’d be a great player for him, and he’d be a good coach for me,” — Milan Momcilovic, *Herald-Leader*
- “...the quest for Momcilovic — the top-ranked player still left in the portal — could very well come down to Kentucky vs. Louisville.” — *Lexington Herald-Leader*
- “ (I have a) very strong connection with Coach McLean and Coach Pope.” — CJ Rosser, Kentucky prospect
What’s Next
Momcilovic must decide by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 27 whether to remain in the draft or withdraw and commit to a transfer. Should he withdraw, Kentucky, Louisville and St. John’s are expected to announce their recruitment status in the weeks that follow, shaping the SEC’s competitive landscape for the 2026-27 season.
