Sharpshooter on the Clock: Milan Momcilovic Navigates NBA Draft Feedback as College Basketball’s Top Pursuit Looms

CHICAGO As the bright lights of the NBA Draft Combine shine over Chicago, former Iowa State Cyclones star Milan Momcilovic finds himself at the center of college basketball’s most intriguing offseason storyline. The 6-foot-8 sharpshooter, fresh off statistically one of the greatest shooting seasons in recent NCAA history, is playing a high-stakes waiting game with a hard deadline of May 27.

Speaking publicly for the first time this week about his decision-making process, Momcilovic made it clear that his heart is set on the professional level. However, the financial realities of the modern NBA coupled with a multi-million dollar safety net in the college game have left the door wide open for a dramatic return to amateur ranks, albeit almost certainly not in Ames.

A Season for the Record Books

Momcilovic’s leverage in these negotiations comes from a blistering junior campaign. He led the nation in total three-pointers made (136) while connecting on an astronomical 48.7 percent of his attempts from deep. Averaging 16.9 points per game, he earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors and solidified his reputation as a “plug-and-play” floor spacer at the next level.

Despite this production, his draft range remains volatile. While ESPN has projected him as high as No. 37 overall (early second round), other outlets have left him entirely out of mock drafts, labeling him a fringe prospect who must prove he is more than just a shooter. That uncertainty has defined his pre-draft strategy.

The Chicago Combine Mandate

Speaking from the combine, Momcilovic laid out a clear financial blueprint for his future.

“I just think high interest, maybe some promises but I don’t think teams promise that early by the deadline,” Momcilovic told CBS Sports, referring to the May 27 withdrawal cut-off. “If there are guaranteed contracts, that would be good. If it’s later in the second round, those are usually two-way contracts, then I’d probably go back.”

This is the crux of his decision. Momcilovic is effectively daring an NBA franchise to guarantee him a roster spot. If the feedback is limited to a “two-way” deal which pays a fraction of a guaranteed salary and offers less security—the 6-foot-8 wing is prepared to return to campus, though not the one he previously called home.

Why Iowa State Is No Longer an Option

For Cyclones fans holding out hope for a reunion, the situation has been clarified. Shortly after declaring for the draft, Momcilovic entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, signaling a mutual separation from Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger.

Iowa State did not wait around. Using the seven-figure NIL salary cap space vacated by Momcilovic, the Cyclones aggressively reloaded their roster. Otzelberger has since filled his allotted 15 scholarships, adding five transfers and four freshmen. With no room left on the roster or in the budget, a return to the Cyclones is now “virtually impossible”.

The College Contingency Plan

If Momcilovic withdraws from the draft, he instantly becomes the most sought-after free agent in college basketball history. Industry insiders suggest his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuation would start at $4millionto$5 million for the 2026-27 season potentially more than the salary of a late-first-round NBA pick.

The buzz in Chicago suggests a trio of blue-blood programs are ready to pounce.

According to multiple sources, Kentucky, St. John’s, and Louisville are “in the mix” should Momcilovic return to school. The fit with the Wildcats under Mark Pope is particularly tantalizing given Kentucky’s need for elite perimeter shooting. However, Momcilovic has specific criteria for his next destination.

“If I return to college, just a fit that I can play well in and hopefully help my chances to go to the NBA the year after that,” Momcilovic explained. “Hopefully I’m on a good team that can go far in the tournament.”

A New Era of Leverage

In a fascinating twist, the pending NCAA legislation regarding the “5-in-5” eligibility rule (potentially granting athletes five years of eligibility across five seasons) has created a theoretical pathway for Momcilovic to spend two more years in college making millions. Yet, the competitor in him rejects that notion.

“It doesn’t affect me at all,” Momcilovic said flatly. “I want to go to the NBA, that’s the goal. I’m trying to go this year. I’m really not trying to spend another two years in college.”

As the May 27 deadline approaches, Momcilovic will embark on private workouts with specific NBA teams. He is searching for a promise. If he finds one, he is gone. If he doesn’t, the richest bidding war in transfer portal history will commence and the former Cyclone will have his pick of the nation’s elite contenders.