Milan Momcilovic commits to Kentucky over Arizona, Louisville

Arizona men’s basketball’s search for a replacement to Koa Peat continues.

Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic committed to Kentucky over Arizona and Louisville, he announced Monday night. Arizona joined the sweepstakes for the talented 6-foot-8 forward once it became clear Peat might not return to the UA for a sophomore year.

While Momcilovic was well acquainted with Arizona’s program, having played against the UA the last two seasons in the Big 12, he ultimately chose Mark Pope‘s Wildcats. Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 reported that Momcilovic was commanding offers of $7 million.

Arizona has a significant NIL pool but is not considered in the same class as Kentucky and Louisville.

With Momcilovic off the board, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd and his staff may have to turn overseas to fill the power forward position. Lloyd has a well-documented track record of landing European players.

A notable example: Ivan Kharchenkov committed to Arizona in early June last year and soon emerged into a day-one starter.

Arizona has added four players from the portal this offseason, bringing in guards Derek Dixon (North Carolina) and JJ Mandaquit (Washington) and big men Ugnius Jarusevicius (Nebraska) and Evan Otten (Idaho State) along with three freshmen, while retaining Final Four starters Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov.

The Wildcats have two open roster spots left for 2026-27.