What’s Next for Ex-Iowa State Star Forward After 2026 NBA Draft Withdrawal?
Former Iowa State Forward Milan Momcilovic has officially withdrawn his name from the 2026 NBA Draft. The Milwaukee native is considered the best portal player this offseason. Like many others, Momcilovic went through the NBA Draft process and earned an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. A pure shooter who shot 49% from deep this past season, the trend continued into the combine, where the 21-year-old shot just under 70% in four shooting drills. This week, the power forward decided it is in his best interest to return to college, but not as an Iowa State Cyclone. Now the entire college basketball world will sit and wait for his next decision.
The best shooter in college basketball will have multiple options to choose from. Momcilovic averaged just under 17 per game last season and around eight three-pointers per game, a major factor behind his top portal ranking. Momcilovic has been linked to multiple teams, including Florida, Louisville, St. John's, and Kentucky. While all the teams mentioned are among college basketball's elite, one program has had ties to the coveted forward longer than any other. That program would be at the University of Arizona.
The University of Arizona made it to the Final Four this previous season, but had been anticipating the departure of their star forward Koa Peat to the NBA. According to ESPN, the Wildcats have been recruiting Momcilovic for the past few weeks. From a basketball fit, the Wisconsin native slides perfectly into the hole that Peat leaves behind. Although the junior standout has stated that money is not a main concern, sources believe he can command up to seven million in NIL deals. If NIL deals fall around the same figure, Arizona has the most to offer him from a basketball standpoint. A defined starring role, revamped backcourt, and an experienced, hungry squad looking to get back to the final weekend of the tournament.
The Iowa State transfer has now become the most touted player left in the college basketball portal. After withdrawing his name from the draft, he will not have his pick of the litter to decide who he will suit up for next year. While marquee names like the University of Florida and Kentucky will certainly be interested, Arizona seems like the team to beat in the Momcilovic race. Wherever six-foot-eight power forward ends up, his pure shooting and scoring capabilities will have an immediate impact on his future program.
