Milan Momcilovic Joins Kentucky Following NBA Draft Withdrawal

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Milan Momcilovic, a standout shooter formerly with Iowa State, has officially decided to play for Kentucky, marking a significant addition for Coach Mark Pope as he navigates the transfer portal. The announcement came via his Instagram account on Monday, just days after he withdrew from the NBA draft.

Standing at 6-foot-8, Momcilovic was a dominant force in college basketball last season, leading the nation with an impressive 48.7% shooting from beyond the arc on 7.5 attempts per game. He also ranked fifth in the country for total 3-pointers made. Notably, he achieved the remarkable feat of hitting five or more 3-pointers in ten games during the 2025-26 season, including a standout performance where he drained eight in a close loss to Arizona during the Big 12 tournament.

Throughout the season, Momcilovic averaged 16.9 points and 3.1 rebounds, helping Iowa State reach the Sweet 16 for the third time in five years. Over his three years with the Cyclones, he maintained a solid 43% shooting rate from the three-point range. His decision to enter the transfer portal and explore NBA options was announced in April, but he ultimately chose to return to college basketball by withdrawing just before last Wednesday's deadline.

This move marks a significant step for both Momcilovic and Kentucky as they aim for success in the upcoming season.