Milan Momcilovic is keeping one foot firmly planted in the NBA Draft process but the possibility of a dramatic return to college basketball remains very much alive.
As the talented former Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball forward continues participating in the NBA Draft Combine, anticipation is growing around what could become one of the biggest late offseason decisions in college basketball.
And for programs like Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball, St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball, and Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball, the waiting game could determine the future of their 2026-27 championship hopes.
Speaking during the draft combine, Momcilovic made it clear that his attention remains centered on exploring every NBA opportunity available before the May 27 withdrawal deadline.
The sharpshooting forward revealed that he has not yet spoken with any colleges as he continues navigating workouts and evaluations with NBA teams over the coming weeks.
“I’m still focused on the draft,” Momcilovic explained. “I’m going to finish this process, continue workouts with teams, and then make a decision closer to the deadline.”
While he remains committed to testing the professional waters, his comments strongly suggested that a return to college is still a very realistic option especially depending on where he projects in the draft.
For Momcilovic, the key factor appears simple security.
The talented forward emphasized that he is searching for a guaranteed NBA contract and appears hesitant about entering the league as a second-round pick tied to a two-way deal.
“If there are guaranteed contracts, that would be good,” he said. “If it’s later in the second round, I’d probably go back.”
That statement immediately intensified speculation surrounding his future.
With several draft prospects expected to withdraw and return to school before the deadline, Momcilovic could still climb into late first-round conversations. However, without firm assurances from NBA teams, the appeal of another dominant college season may ultimately prove too strong to ignore.
If Momcilovic does return to college basketball, Kentucky is widely viewed as one of the strongest contenders to land him.
Head coach Mark Pope continues searching for a marquee addition capable of elevating the Wildcats into legitimate Final Four contention, and few players remaining on the market possess Momcilovic’s combination of size, scoring ability, and elite perimeter shooting.
In fact, many analysts believe he could become the best three-point shooter in college basketball next season.
Pairing him with returning talent like Malachi Moreno could instantly transform Kentucky into one of the nation’s most dangerous offensive teams on paper.
For Pope, landing a player of Momcilovic’s caliber would also represent a major recruiting victory at a crucial moment for the program.
As the countdown to May 27 continues, Momcilovic now enters the most important stretch of his basketball journey.
Private workouts, team evaluations, and draft feedback over the next two weeks could determine whether his future lies in the NBA immediately or whether one more season in college becomes the smarter path toward long-term professional success.
And if he does decide to return to campus basketball, the race to sign one of the sport’s premier offensive talents could become one of the offseason’s biggest stories.
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