The recruitment of Milan Momcilovic has evolved to the point where, essentially, it's time for the star-studded transfer to make a decision. That is, a second decision, following his already long-awaited call to pull out of the NBA Draft in favor of a return to the collegiate level.
Since long before he even returned to college, Mark Pope and Kentucky were loudly involved in his recruitment and, since that declaration have emerged as clear favorites for his allegiance. Right out of the gate, in fact, it seemed like the Wildcats had a chance to land him then and there.
Yet according to a recent post on X from KSR's Matt Jones, the guys down the road aren't prepared to let that one go down so easily. Pat Kelsey and Louisville held a Zoom call with Momcilovic today and, while their offer comes in under Kentucky's, it isn't so much so that his choice is made easy by a financial gap.
For the time, at least, a move that isn't to Lexington is still firmly in play. Why can't we just have this one?
A Move That Isn't Lexington
Considering the whole picture, it may be easy to suggest that Kentucky still has the advantage. What, with Momcilovic himself already imagining a fit in the Cats' offense and Pope's offer being the biggest on the table (according to Jones) the stars certainly seem to have aligned for a commitment here.
Matt Norlander went so far as to publicy predict Momcilovic to end up in the blue and white. But in the age of NIL-dollar deals leading the way for college athletics, it's never quite that easy.
Louisville zoomed today with Milan. I am told their offer remains the same, which is likely slightly less of a number than Kentucky. Arizona is also less as well
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 29, 2026
Kentucky has done all it can so now it’s just whether Milan wants to play here.
Factor in Momcilovic's public desire to get to the NBA as fast as possible, and it may not even be about the money, or even wins, on this level.
We truly don't know what a guy in the spotlight like this is thinking. If Kentucky's constant struggles to land big names this offseason have evidenced anything, it's that.
Still Playing the Waiting Game
Kentucky, despite playing the waiting game with Momcilovic for weeks, will have to continue to play it a little longer. While this recruitment is expected to wrap up soon, there are simply too many pieces on the board - and too much at stake - for this to wrap up with ease.
Momcilovic's 48% clip from range, the apparent solution to the team's offensive struggles as of late, will continue to haunt the team from a far until he makes his play. Now more than ever, Kentucky needs a win in the most dire way.
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