Milan Momcilovic is currently taking part in the NBA Draft Combine, and on Wednesday, he gave a brief update on where things stand as the withdrawal deadline draws near.
In an interview with CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter, Momcilovic discussed the draft process and how he plans to take this to the May 27 deadline to make a final decision.
“I’m still focused on the draft,” said Momcilovic. “I haven’t even talked to any colleges yet, but I’m sure if I have to go back, there is a spot open for me somewhere. I’m still going through this process.
“The deadline is the 27th of May, so I have a couple of weeks. I’m going to obviously finish this week, and then I’ve got some workouts with teams lined up over the next couple of weeks.”
Trotter added that he’s heard Kentucky, St. John’s, and Louisville are in the mix for the Iowa State transfer.
Momcilovic said he’d like to get a first-round guarantee, and it doesn’t sound like he’s very high on being a second-round pick and potentially playing on a 2-way deal.
“If there are guaranteed contracts, that would be good. If it’s later in the second round, those are usually two-way contracts, then I’d probably go back. We’ll see,” he said.
As for what Momcilovic is looking for in his potential next school, he wants somewhere he can thrive while also making a deep postseason run.
“If I return to college, just (find) a fit that I can play well in, and hopefully, help my chances to go to the NBA the year after that. Hopefully I’m on a good team that can go far in the tournament,” he said.
If the Wildcats can get Malachi Moreno back, then the addition of Momcilovic would certainly make them, on paper, look like a team capable of making a run to the Final Four. But that’s obviously a big if at this stage, as Momcilovic wants to stay in the draft if he can be a first-round selection.
And with a number of draft entrants expected to return to school, Momcilovic will definitely have a chance to go late in Round 1 if he stays in, but it sounds like he wants a guarantee in order to do so.
There’s no doubt that a critical two weeks are ahead for Momcilovic as he goes through private workouts and looks to boost his stock ahead of the May 27 deadline.
As for Kentucky, this is likely the Wildcats’ last chance to add a clear-cut star player to the 2026-27 roster. If Momcilovic returns to school, then Kentucky looks like it will be one of the top contenders for a guy who will likely be the best 3-point shooter in college basketball next season.
Sure would be a nice win for Mark Pope to land a guy like Momcilovic to silence the doubters.