Kentucky basketball has secured one of the biggest additions of the offseason, as former Iowa State standout Milan Momcilovic announced his commitment to the Wildcats through the transfer portal. The move gives head coach Mark Pope a major boost as he continues reshaping Kentucky’s roster for the upcoming season.
Momcilovic, a 6-foot-8 forward known for his elite shooting ability, enters Lexington after a highly productive season with Iowa State. During the 2025-26 campaign, he averaged 16.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while establishing himself as one of the most dangerous perimeter threats in college basketball. His remarkable shooting performance saw him lead the nation in both three-point percentage and total three-pointers made. Momcilovic connected on an impressive 48.7 percent of his shots from beyond the arc and knocked down 136 three-pointers over the course of the season.
His decision to join Kentucky comes after a lengthy evaluation process that included testing the NBA Draft waters. Momcilovic participated in the NBA Draft Combine before ultimately withdrawing from the draft on May 27 and returning to college basketball. Once he made that decision, he immediately became one of the most sought-after players available in the transfer portal.
Recruiting analysts viewed him as one of the premier talents on the market. According to 247Sports, Momcilovic ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the transfer portal and was among the highest-rated uncommitted transfers remaining after withdrawing from the draft. Several major programs reportedly pursued him, including Louisville, Arizona, and St. John’s, but Kentucky ultimately won the battle for his commitment.
Reports indicate that Momcilovic is expected to receive a substantial NIL package valued at approximately $6 million, placing him among the highest-compensated college athletes in the nation. The investment reflects both his proven production and the significant role he is expected to play for the Wildcats next season.
Momcilovic’s arrival fills a critical need for Kentucky. The Wildcats lost their top five scorers from the previous season through graduation and transfers, creating an urgent need for offensive firepower. His ability to stretch defenses with elite shooting should immediately improve a Kentucky offense that struggled from long range at times last year. The Wildcats shot 34.2 percent from three-point range during the season, a figure that ranked in the middle of the national standings and among the lower marks in the SEC.
While his shooting attracts most of the attention, Momcilovic offers much more than perimeter scoring. He is capable of thriving in catch-and-shoot situations, pick-and-pop actions, and transition opportunities. His height and high release point make it difficult for defenders to contest his shots effectively. Additionally, he can create offense inside the arc by using his size to back down defenders and finish with fadeaway jumpers.
Kentucky fans already witnessed his talent firsthand during Iowa State’s NCAA Tournament matchup against the Wildcats. In that Round of 32 contest, Momcilovic delivered an impressive performance with 20 points and five rebounds, showcasing the offensive versatility that made him such a coveted transfer.
His commitment also brings back memories of Kentucky’s successful addition of Koby Brea a year earlier. Like Brea, Momcilovic arrives with a reputation as one of the nation’s premier three-point shooters. If he can replicate his Iowa State production in Lexington, he could become one of the most impactful transfers in college basketball and a cornerstone piece in Mark Pope’s rebuilding efforts.
With Momcilovic now in the fold, Kentucky has added a proven scorer, elite shooter, and experienced veteran who could help elevate the Wildcats into contention during the upcoming season.
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