Kentucky pays $6 million for Milan Momcilovic's shooting
The former Iowa State forward scored 24 points in his debut, making 6 of 9 three-pointers against Manhattan.
By Joseph Brooks ·
Kentucky spent approximately $6 million on Milan Momcilovic this offseason, a sum that likely shocked many observers. The transfer arrived in Lexington to answer a specific question: can the Wildcats finally field a reliable perimeter shooter? Tuesday night's 85-57 victory over Manhattan provided an immediate, if preliminary, answer.
Momcilovic, a 6-foot-9 forward, took 12 shots and made eight of them in his debut for the Wildcats. He finished with 24 points and five rebounds. His efficiency from deep stood out, as he made six of his nine three-point attempts. That performance follows a strong season at Iowa State, where he shot 48.7% from three-point range on 7.5 attempts per game. He helped lead the Cyclones to a second Sweet 16 appearance in three years.
Mark Pope, who is in his third year as Kentucky head coach, wants even more volume from his new star. The coach stated he would like Momcilovic to take 15 three-pointers per game if possible. Pope noted that the Wildcats have won their first three games of the season, with the Manhattan win serving as the latest result in that streak.
Momcilovic's career statistics over the last 38 games, including 37 contests at Iowa State and one at Kentucky, show a 49.3% success rate from beyond the arc. The sample size is growing, but the consistency remains a focal point for the program. The move represents a major financial commitment for a single player in college basketball, reflecting the current market value of elite skills.
The Wildcats sit at No. 20 in the latest CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings. They are one of eight SEC teams currently in the top 25. Florida leads the conference at No. 1, followed by Texas at No. 6, Arkansas at No. 10, Tennessee at No. 16, Alabama at No. 21, Missouri at No. 23, and Vanderbilt at No. 25. No other conference has more than six teams in the rankings.
The financial structure of college basketball continues to shift as players move between programs for large sums. Momcilovic's arrival tests whether that capital can translate into sustained success on the court. His shooting percentage over the last 38 games offers a baseline, but the next few weeks will determine if the 49.3% mark holds up against tougher competition.
Source: CBS Sports
