Milan Momcilovic predicted to return to college in a Kentucky vs. Louisville face off

Malachi Moreno's pending NBA Draft decision remains at the forefront of Kentucky's list of priorities as Mark Pope's third offseason trudges along. Yet, while Moreno - in spite of some cryptic behavior on social media - hasn't shone much light on his choice, another game-changing target may be fast approaching his own decision.

Milan Momcilovic seems to have been circled as the sort of final key addition, assuming Moreno's return, for this blue and white roster. He's a score-at-will wing who'd fit right into the spot that was originally meant for Tyran Stokes.

While he was also considering the draft, Jeff Goodman noted on the Field of 68 that Momcilovic may be trending to return to college... and both Kentucky and Louisville await him as primary contenders.

"He's looking for a 1st round promise..." said Goodman, "but I think he'll come back to school, and I think it's probably a Kentucky vs. Louisville battle."

A Battle in the Bluegrass

This report aligns with that of the Lexington Herald-Leader, who spoke directly to Momcilovic about his draft decision, as well as a potential move to Kentucky. While Goodman would later add that St. John's is also involved, the wide consensus seems to be based on the blue and red.

Momcilovic, who said that he thinks "Kentucky would be a good fit" and that he likes the offense that Coach Pope runs, would undoubtedly change the trajectory of the Cats' current roster from promising to potentially dominant. His nearly 50% clip from long range alone, as well as 17 points per game, do all the talking for the soon-to-be senior.

Especially in the case that Moreno returns, Pope having both of these NBA-hopefuls in Rupp Arena next season may be enough to thrust Kentucky into title contention conversations.

But Pat Kelsey and Louisville are no slouch. Not only would this be a significant win for the roster, but landing Momcilovic would give Pope the opportunity to strike back against a rival that has, thus far, out-recruited him this offseason.

The Big Blue Empire Strikes Back

According to 247Sports, Louisville's transfer portal class currently ranks No. 1 nationally, while Kentucky comes in at a relatively underwhelming No. 12. Jackson Shelstad may not be a worry on his own, but paired with Flory Bidunga, Karter Knox, and others, the Cardinals have an admittedly mean bunch.

But Kentucky has a team built to repair their flaws from this past season and, once again, have one obvious spot remaining for a player like Momcilovic to hop in.

From that perspective especially, Kentucky may even be the better fit. Although, with money on the table and promises being made behind the scenes on either side, only time will tell how this thing fully pans out.

One thing is for sure, though: The Big Blue Nation won't let Louisville fans hear the end of it if Kentucky ultimately beats them out for the star wing. Of course, the opposite is also true. We wouldn't have it any other way.

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