Milan Momcilovic will reportedly withdraw from the NBA draft and return to college basketball for his senior year.
The former Iowa State forward is set to announce his commitment next week, according to insider Adam Zagoria.
Four big teams are in contention to sign the country’s best shooter from last season. One of the biggest factors in landing Momcilovic is NIL. He is reportedly expected to command over $4 million. So a team with a big purse and a small roster practically has a better chance.
Pat Kelsey’s Louisville Cardinals
If NIL is the primary factor, Louisville is the least likely destination, as it has completely restocked its roster and has little budget to accommodate Momcilovic. However, Pat Kelsey has always been a fan of good shooters and Momcilovic would perfectly fit the profile if the Cardinals can somehow make a deal work.
Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm
Rick Pitino’s St. John’s reportedly has an NIL budget of over $10 million. However, it has already added seven players from the transfer portal and internationally. Playing under Rick Pitino would elevate Momcilovic’s game in different ways, and he could even make St. John’s an NCAA title contender.
Tommy Lloyd’s Arizona Wildcats
Arizona has a big reason to go after Momcilovic. Star man Koa Peat has decided to stay in the NBA draft. This frees up a lot of the NIL budget. They could also use a player of Momcilovic’s shooting capabilities. If there’s one thing Tommy Lloyd’s team is missing, it’s an elite shooter.
Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats
The most likely destination is Kentucky. Mark Pope has been looking for a shooter like Milan Momcilovic ever since the offseason started, and landing him could make up for the disappointment of not getting Tyran Stokes. After the transfer portal closed, Momcilovic was probably the best player left for college teams to sign, if, of course, he decided to withdraw from the draft.
Now that he has made the decision, Kentucky would probably suit him the best. Coach Pope likes to run an NBA-like offensive system that spreads the floor and gives players plenty of opportunities to take three-pointers.
Milan led the NCAA in three-point percentage and total three-pointers made last season, and he would be a perfect fit for Kentucky. Moreover, Pope has the largest NIL budget ($21-$23 million) at his expense, giving him an extra edge.
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