Full Breakdown
Milan Momcilovic Withdraws from 2026 NBA Draft, Returns to College as Top Transfer-Portal Target
5/28/2026, 6:52:19 AM
Core Decision
On May 27, 2026, former Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic announced that he is withdrawing his name from the 2026 NBA Draft and will return to NCAA competition for the 2026-27 season. The decision was made hours before the league-wide withdrawal deadline (10:59 p.m. CT). Momcilovic now re-enters the transfer portal as the highest-ranked available player.
Background & Context
Momcilovic spent three seasons with the Cyclones, helping Iowa State to 83 wins and two Sweet-16 appearances. In 2025-26 he averaged 16.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 50.6 % shooting from the floor while hitting 48.6 % of his three-point attempts. He set a program record with 136 made threes, leading the nation in both three-point percentage and total makes. He earned All-Big 12 second-team honors and was a finalist at the NBA Draft Combine, where he shot nearly 69 % in four shooting drills.
Timeline
- Mid-April 2026 – Momcilovic enters the NBA draft process and the transfer portal.
- Early May 2026 – Attends the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago; completes workouts with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves.
- May 27, 2026, 10:59 p.m. CT – Deadline to withdraw from the draft.
- May 27-28, 2026 – Public announcement of withdrawal and return to college.
Data & Statistics
- 16.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg (2025-26 season)
- 48.6 % three-point shooting, 136 made threes (nation-leading)
- 69 % overall shooting in combine drills; 5th in spot-up and off-dribble shooting, 6th in side-mid-side, tied 1st in free-throw (10-of-10) at the combine
- Ranked No. 38 in ESPN’s mock draft; projected as a second-round pick by multiple analysts
- No. 1 overall in ESPN’s transfer-portal rankings; On3 also lists him No. 1
Official Statements & Responses
Momcilovic told reporters he “doesn’t need to go on a visit” and wants “a good spot where I can play well and help my chances to go to the NBA.” He emphasized that money is not his primary driver. Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger praised Momcilovic’s work ethic, noting he “has put himself in a great position to get drafted.” Kentucky head coach Mark Pope said Momcilovic “would be a good fit” for Kentucky’s three-point-heavy system and highlighted the program’s remaining NIL resources.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted potential mismatches with certain suitors. St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino’s full-court press could tax Momcilovic’s stamina, while Arizona’s defensive scheme may not suit his limited rebounding and defensive range. Critics also pointed to Momcilovic’s modest playmaking and defensive athleticism as factors that could limit his impact at the collegiate level.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- NIL valuation: Sources estimate Momcilovic’s potential NIL earnings at $4-6 M, $5-6 M, $6-7 M, $7 M, and $8-12 M.
- Portal ranking: ESPN lists him No. 1; 247Sports places him No. 2 behind Flory Bidunga.
- Eligibility: Some reports cite a “5-in-5” eligibility rule; others reference a possible age-based rule that could grant two additional seasons.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I love Milan, he's my guy.” — T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State head coach
- “I think Kentucky would be a good fit,” — Milan Momcilovic
- “I’m not gonna go money hunt for like the top school that offers me the most money,” — Milan Momcilovic
- “If that's not to happen for him, it's important that he's able to find a landing spot at a college that fits what he is looking for.” — T.J. Otzelberger
- “I don't need to go on a visit or anything. I can probably choose pretty quickly. Also, there aren't a lot of schools that still have a lot of money or a lot of roster spots, so it's not like I'm choosing between 15 schools, it's going to be three or four.” — Milan Momcilovic
Why It Matters / Impact
Momcilovic’s return creates a bidding war among programs with deep NIL budgets, notably Kentucky, Louisville, St. John’s and Arizona. His presence could elevate Kentucky’s offensive ceiling and reshape the SEC and Big East competitive balance. The decision also underscores the growing financial incentive for elite players to remain in college, influencing future draft-and-stay calculations.
What’s Next
Recruiting conversations are expected to intensify over the next few weeks, with potential campus visits and NIL contract negotiations. The NCAA’s eligibility-rule vote is slated for the summer, which could affect Momcilovic’s remaining eligibility. A final commitment is anticipated before the start of summer practice sessions in early June.
