Milan Momcilovic gives update on NBA Draft process and potential return to school

Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) reacts after a three-point shot against Houston during the first half in the3 Big-12 men’s basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Feb. 16, 2026, in Ames, Iowa | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Milan Momcilovic is currently taking part in the NBA Draft Combine, and on Wednesday, he gave a brief update on where things stand as the withdrawal deadline draws near.

In an interview with CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter, Momcilovic discussed the draft process and how he plans to take this to the May 27 deadline to make a final decision.

“I’m still focused on the draft,” said Momcilovic. “I haven’t even talked to any colleges yet, but I’m sure if I have to go back, there is a spot open for me somewhere. I’m still going through this process.

“The deadline is the 27th of May, so I have a couple of weeks. I’m going to obviously finish this week, and then I’ve got some workouts with teams lined up over the next couple of weeks.”

Trotter added that he’s heard Kentucky, St. John’s, and Louisville are in the mix for the Iowa State transfer.

Momcilovic said he’d like to get a first-round guarantee, and it doesn’t sound like he’s very high on being a second-round pick and potentially playing on a 2-way deal.

“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. We’ll see,” he said.

As for what Momcilovic is looking for in his potential next school, he wants somewhere he can thrive while also making a deep postseason run.

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

If the Wildcats can get Malachi Moreno back, then the addition of Momcilovic would certainly make them, on paper, look like a team capable of making a run to the Final Four. But that’s obviously a big if at this stage, as Momcilovic wants to stay in the draft if he can be a first-round selection.