No. 1 transfer Milan Momcilovic picks Kentucky, gives Mark Pope big portal win

Milan Momcilovic, ranked No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports transfer portal rankings, committed to Kentucky on Monday night, marking a major recruiting victory for head coach Mark Pope. The 6-8 forward withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft ahead of the May 27 deadline, positioning himself for a high-earning NIL agreement in Lexington. Momcilovic, an efficient offensive player, averaged 16.9 points per game last season and shot 48.7% from three-point range on 7.5 attempts per contest. His decision came after Kentucky reportedly outmatched rivals like Louisville and Arizona, offering both a larger offensive role and greater financial resources. Momcilovic was named second-team All-Big 12 and scored in double figures in 30 of Iowa State’s 37 games, including a 20-point, five-rebound performance in a second-round NCAA Tournament loss to Kentucky. Kentucky’s recruitment of Momcilovic follows a difficult offseason, where the Wildcats missed several top targets but secured him as their sixth portal addition. The team has already landed guards Zoom Diallo (Washington), Alex Wilkins (Furman), and Jerone Morton (Washington State), along with forwards Justin McBride (James Madison) and center Franck Kepnang (Washington). Momcilovic’s arrival strengthens Kentucky’s depth and offensive firepower, particularly for a program prioritizing three-point shooting and fast-paced play. His decision also reflects Kentucky’s ability to attract elite transfers despite earlier recruiting setbacks, reinforcing Pope’s strategy of building through the portal. The commitment comes as Kentucky seeks to rebound from a challenging 2022-23 season, where inconsistencies and losses limited their NCAA Tournament hopes. Momcilovic’s experience and scoring ability could provide immediate impact, especially in a conference like the SEC where elite guard play is often decisive.