By ADAM ZAGORIA
As we head toward the May 27th deadline for college players to withdraw from the NBA Draft, all eyes are on a handful of top guys who have declared for the NBA Draft but could still opt to return to college.
Iowa State star Milan Momcilovic hopes to get drafted into the NBA and is the top remaining player in the transfer portal. After averaging 16.9 ppg on 51% shooting and 49% from deep, he has drawn heavy interest from Kentucky, St. John’s and Louisville since announcing his plans to transfer and enter the Draft.
“Everybody with endless money [is involved]. He’s going to get over $5M [in the portal],” one NBA source said from the NBA Combine in Chicago.
Speaking to Kentucky beat writer Ben Roberts at the NBA Combine, Momcilovic gave Kentucky an endorsement amid some reports that this could turn into a Louisville vs. St. John’s showdown. With Kentucky missing out on Tyran Stokes after the star freshman chose Kansas, Kentucky ostensibly still has money to spend in the portal.
“I think Kentucky would be a good fit,” Momcilovic told the Herald-Leader. “I obviously went against Pope at BYU his first year (in the Big 12), and I loved how his team played. I think we went 1-1 against them, but they killed us at their place, because they fly the ball up the court and shoot 3s. I really like the way they play.
“And obviously Kentucky last year, he didn’t have enough shooters around him to really coach, I feel like, the way he wanted. But I think — if I were to choose Kentucky — that would be a good fit for me. I feel like I’d be a great player for him, and he’d be a good coach for me.”
Louisville has been big spenders in the portal and recruiting this cycle and head coach Pat Kelsey has a loaded squad for next season.
Still, St. John’s super donor Mike Repole has money to spend and said on X/Twitter this week that St. John’s needs “one more final piece.”
“I also believe we may need ONE more final piece of the puzzle to truly become a Top 10 team and make a serious Final Four run,” he posted to fans. “I’ve always lived by the mantra: “Think Big. Dream Bigger.” Who do you think can be that final piece of the puzzle???
“Could be: • A portal player • Someone testing the NBA Draft waters who could still return to college • An overseas player You can give me more than one choice but must rank them in the order of preference.”
Meantime, Momcilovic still has his eyes focused on the NBA.
“I’m still focused on the draft,” he told reporter Wednesday. “I haven’t even talked to any colleges yet. I’m sure if I do go back, there’s a spot open for me somewhere.”
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram
