I know why you’re here, BBN and I’m not just talking nonsense. If the idea of discussing a Final Four run scares you, then head on down to Knoxville.
Mark Pope is navigating a controversial third offseason in Lexington. Several big-name targets have already come and gone, choosing other schools or contractual commitments over the Wildcats. As a result, many are starting to blame Pope for his recruiting struggles.
But landing Milan Momcilovic—whom Kentucky has already met with over Zoom would silence all that criticism. In fact, I’d go further: securing his first true marquee recruit in Momcilovic could push this already solid Kentucky roster over the edge. Adding one of the nation’s top scorers would raise the Cats’ ceiling to Final Four territory.
And once you’re there, anything can happen.
A Roster Built for the Final Four
Stick with me. When Coach Pope first arrived in Lexington, his hire was largely driven by the success of his offensive system at BYU. Kentucky fans have only seen glimpses of that system so far brief flashes from players like Koby Brea and Collin Chandler.
That might be because Pope hasn’t yet had a pure, self-creating scorer. Someone who can get past defenders or simply shoot over them. Someone who scores instinctively. Someone like Milan Momcilovic.
Ranked the No. 2 overall transfer this cycle by 247Sports, Momcilovic averaged 16.9 points per game on an outstanding 50.6% from the field and 48.7% from three. According to ESPN, his three-point percentage is the best in the nation, and he’s attempting nearly eight per night.
This is the kind of player who takes a solid Kentucky roster equipped with strong facilitators, as Pope has often noted about his backcourt’s assist numbers and makes it truly great.
From Good to Great
A starting five of Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins, Milan Momcilovic, Ousmane N’Diaye, and Malachi Moreno (assuming he returns) would be exceptionally long and versatile. Add Kam Williams, Braydon Hawthorne, and Justin McBride off the bench, and you have an incredibly high ceiling no matter the rotation.
Knowing Coach Pope, he’d also get creative with his lineups. You never know what combination might click. But one thing is certain: Momcilovic will elevate any team he joins, assuming he also returns from NBA Draft consideration which is far from unlikely.
The star forward would be an ideal fit in Pope’s offense and, in my view, is the final major piece this Kentucky team needs to move past the void left by Tyran Stokes. Momcilovic is a generational fit at exactly the right moment. He’s the kind of player who gets things done by any means.
And he’s the kind of player who could bring Kentucky back to the Final Four.
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