As Malachi Moreno made his hoped-for return to Lexington a reality late last week, Mark Pope's list of offseason priorities seems to be almost entirely taken care of. That is, aside from the millions in NIL value leftover from Kentucky missing on Tyran Stokes. What's that all about?
Well, with the spot remaining on the wing that was originally meant for Stokes, the Wildcats have begun a serious push for Milan Momcilovic in the case that he doesn't stay in the NBA Draft. He'll have to decide by tomorrow, either way.
Though according to Jeff Goodman on The Field of 68, the Arizona Wildcats, as a result of potentially losing their current star, Koa Peat, are working to gain ground in the case that Momcilovic decides to return to the collegiate level.
In such a case, Kentucky's apparent advantage in the recruitment could dissipate for the right price. Coach Pope and his staff will have to act here, and fast.
Kentucky Has to Act
"The team trying to gain ground, per my sources, is Arizona. And a big part of that is they believe they're going to lose Koa Peat." Goodman also reported that Momcilovic could draw upwards of $7 million from a certain team pushing for his services.
A new suitor in the mix for Milan Momcilovic? 👀
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) May 26, 2026
"The team trying to gain ground, per my sources, is Arizona. And a big part of that is they believe they're going to lose Koa Peat" - @GoodmanHoops
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While that team wasn't specificed, it doesn't seem outlandish to me to assume that Kentucky could ramp up their offer with other suitors, like the Wildcats of the west, getting involved. This is a massive expectation-shifter for Kentucky; one that could define Mark Pope's offseason and change his reputation for the better.
And while Momcilovic expressed himself that it isn't all about the money, if he does decide to return to college, a check of that size would be difficult to both match and turn down.
If such an offer truly comes through, from Kentucky or anyone else, I can't imagine he spurns it.
Making An Undeniable Offer
After struggling with shooting and, really, scoring in general last season, the Big Blue Nation couldn't be angry at Pope going over the top for arguably the nation's best scorer from long range. Momcilovic's 48%, high-volume clip says everything you need to know about what he brings to the table.
Now, it's about fudging up the funds and getting it done. That kind of big-figure, undeniable offer is simply what it takes to get a deal done on the current landscape of college basketball, at least when it comes to a player like this one.
The fit makes too much sense not to give Momcilovic essentially whatever he wants. Besides, without him, the Wildcats could be looking at a "good not great" season when greatness is needed more than ever in Rupp Arena.
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