After weeks of speculations Milan Momcilovic has decided to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to college for his senior year. However, he will not return to Iowa State. Teams have been lining up, waiting to see if Momcilovic makes the decision to return. The top candidate to sign Milan seems to be Mark Pope’s Kentucky. However, they might face tough competition.
Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats are set to battle Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm, Pat Kelsey’s Louisville Cardinals and Tommy Lloyd’s Arizona Wildcats for the signing of Milan Momcilovic. Former Iowa State forward was the best shooter in the country last season and had impressive NBA draft combine numbers. He was reportedly going to be one of the late first round picks.
However, during the draft process, Momcilovic did show signs of him leaning towards coming back to school for his senior year. He commented about schools wanting to sign him and admitted getting tempted by the NIL money involved. But there might be another factor involved in his return, and why he might end up at Kentucky.
Kentucky’s Malachi Moreno, who himself withdrew from the NBA draft to return, new addition Zoom Diallo and returnee Kam Williams have embraced a new role for Mark Pope. The role of agents. Rumors suggest that the three Kentucky stars were in contact with Milan via zoom calls. Kentucky’s assistant coach Mikhail McLean was also present. This was seemingly their third zoom call with Milan since yesterday.
Mark Pope has also recruited him in person as well as through multiple zoom calls when he was in the draft process. Not only Pope but Milan has also shown great affection for the Kentucky boss.
Milan Momcilovic seemingly leans towards Mark Pope’s Kentucky
Milan had praised Mark Pope and said that Kentucky can be a “good fit” for him. He apparently loves how Mark Pope makes his team play. A system that opens the court and gives more chances of three point shooting is the trademark of Pope’s basketball and a shooter of Milan’s ability would fit just right in.
For Kentucky as well, their biggest missing piece might just be a top quality shooter. After Tyran Stokes chose Kansas over Kentucky, Milan Momcilovic seemingly is the obvious and sensible choice. Moreover their NIL budget of around $22 million would certainly help them give Milan an offer he can’t refuse.
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