Expectations are already soaring for Kentucky’s newest star, Milan Momcilovic, and head coach Mark Pope believes the sharpshooting forward has the potential to rewrite the Wildcats’ record book. After landing one of the nation’s premier perimeter threats earlier this month, Kentucky is preparing to unleash an offense built around elite three-point shooting, with Momcilovic expected to play a central role.
The former Iowa State standout arrives in Lexington carrying the reputation as one of college basketball’s most dangerous long-range shooters. His addition immediately raises the ceiling for a Kentucky team that is looking to establish itself as one of the nation’s elite programs under Pope’s fast-paced, perimeter-oriented system.
Momcilovic recently revealed that Pope’s expectations extend far beyond simply maintaining his impressive shooting efficiency. Rather than focusing solely on percentage, the Wildcats’ coach wants his new star to become even more aggressive from beyond the arc.
According to Momcilovic, Pope told him that repeating last season’s outstanding 48 percent shooting from three-point range would actually be disappointing if it meant he wasn’t taking enough shots. Instead, Pope wants him firing around 10 three-pointers per game, even if that causes his shooting percentage to decline slightly. The philosophy reflects Pope’s belief that a high-volume elite shooter can create far more value by constantly stretching defenses than by simply preserving an eye-catching percentage.
At first glance, the approach may seem unconventional, but it perfectly aligns with Pope’s offensive philosophy. His system encourages confidence, pace, and relentless perimeter shooting, rewarding players who are willing to keep firing when opportunities arise. Rather than fearing missed shots, Pope wants his shooters to remain aggressive throughout the game, knowing that consistent pressure from beyond the arc can completely transform an offense.
The mindset echoes a famous philosophy once preached by legendary Kentucky coach Rick Pitino, who famously reminded his players not to worry about missed shots because great shooters must continue shooting with confidence. Pope appears to be embracing that same mentality as he builds his Wildcats squad around spacing and offensive firepower.
Momcilovic’s production at Iowa State suggests those lofty expectations are far from unrealistic. Last season, he connected on an incredible 136 three-pointers, a total that already exceeds Kentucky’s single-season school record. The current Wildcats benchmark belongs to Jodie Meeks, who knocked down 117 three-pointers during the 2008-09 campaign. Simply matching last year’s production would allow Momcilovic to surpass one of the most celebrated shooting records in program history.
His shooting volume also indicates there is room for even greater production. Momcilovic attempted 279 three-pointers last season, averaging approximately 7.5 attempts per game. Increasing that average to around 10 shots per contest, as Pope envisions, could result in an even larger total over the course of a full season, provided he maintains anything close to his elite efficiency.
The partnership between Pope and Momcilovic appears to be an ideal fit. Kentucky’s offense is specifically designed to maximize shooters by creating spacing, quick ball movement, and a constant flow of perimeter opportunities. Those principles match Momcilovic’s greatest strengths and could allow him to flourish even more than he did at Iowa State.
If the transfer adapts quickly and Pope’s system performs as expected, Kentucky could field one of the nation’s most explosive offenses this season. More importantly, Momcilovic may not only emerge as one of college basketball’s top scorers but also put himself in position to shatter long-standing Wildcats shooting records while helping Kentucky contend for championships.
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