Entering the Round of 64 in the most recent NCAA Tournament, Kentucky faced a 10-seeded Santa Clara Broncos team that boasted, at the forefront, forward Allen Graves. National analysts sung the praises of the NBA-potential wing constantly in the days leading up to the contest, and he nearly buried the Wildcats with a late triple.
Although, he and the Broncos didn't account for Otega Oweh's destined heroics. Play a tune on the world's smallest violin.
Since then, the undeniably talented Graves has gone on to test the NBA Draft waters. All the while, Kentucky (like many other programs) has waited in the wings in case of a return to the collegiate level. Although it takes two to tango, and the Wildcats may be dancing alone in this case.
According to Jeff Borzello, Graves says the only two schools he's had real conversations with are LSU and Duke. Kentucky, apparently, reached out to his agents, but the Wildcats aren't featured among the duo of teams fighting for his allegiance.
Former Santa Clara forward Allen Graves says the only two schools he’s had conversations with are LSU and Duke. He added that Kentucky has reached out to his agents, but Duke and LSU were his top two.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) May 13, 2026
Graves said he would prefer to stay in the NBA draft if he’s a first-rounder. pic.twitter.com/ZkUO3PihyK
Kentucky Dancing Alone
Taking a peek at Graves' statistics will tell you everything you need to know about why the Cats are feeling this one out, at least on the surface. Graves' 41.3% clip from long range defines his game, and sets him apart from most players his size.
At 6-foot-9, 225, Graves' size allows him to get his shot just about wherever he wants it. Speed may be an issue, but Graves rebounds well enough (and turns the ball over at such a low rate) that his shortcomings aren't entirely prevalent.
Not on the collegiate level, that is.
Because, in spite of his NCAA draw, Graves' output at the NBA Combine has apparently been less than fantastic, with some of his numbers falling behind the mean as the forward's projections remain relatively stagnant in the second round.
Still, if Kentucky's pursuit of Graves has truly gone cold, there are far worse fates than focusing on MIlan Momcilovic entirely.
A Preferable Pivot
In fact, I believe Momcilovic is a better fit for Kentucky's offense. Not only did he also torch the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament (a bittersweet admission), but his three-point percentage is an entire seven clicks higher (48.7%).
While the former may seem more immediately NBA-ready, Momcilovic is a score-first forward with something - arguably more - to prove on the collegiate level. With Kentucky involved on that front, too, BBN shouldn't take much convincing to concert their efforts on the former Iowa State Cyclone.
Still, it isn't easy to see a guy, for lack of a better word, ignore the blue and white on the recruiting trail. Unless something changes, or Kentucky lands someone else, this could still go down as a missed opportunity for a roster that needs a go-to guy.
Mark Pope will have to shake this one off quickly and find a way out on the other side.
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