Trent Noah Reacts to the Addition of Milan Momcilovic to Kentucky’s Roster
The excitement surrounding Kentucky basketball reached another level this week after the Wildcats secured the commitment of former Iowa State star Milan Momcilovic, one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. His decision to join head coach Mark Pope immediately generated excitement across Big Blue Nation and inside Kentucky’s locker room.
Among the first Wildcats players to publicly react was Trent Noah, who made his feelings known shortly after the announcement. Noah’s response was brief but enthusiastic, reflecting the excitement many Kentucky players felt after learning that one of college basketball’s elite shooters would be joining the program.
Momcilovic arrives in Lexington with an impressive résumé. The 6-foot-8 forward emerged as one of the nation’s most dangerous offensive players during his time at Iowa State Cyclones. Last season, he averaged 16.9 points per game while leading the nation in three-point shooting percentage among high-volume shooters.
His ability to stretch the floor instantly makes him one of the most important additions of the Mark Pope era. Kentucky had already assembled a talented roster, but many analysts believed the Wildcats still lacked a proven star capable of elevating the team into national championship discussions. Momcilovic appears to fill that role.
For Noah, the commitment represents more than just adding another talented teammate. The Kentucky native chose to remain with the Wildcats despite facing questions about his role and future. His decision to stay demonstrated his belief in Pope’s vision for the program.
Now, Noah will have the opportunity to play alongside one of the best perimeter shooters in college basketball. That partnership could create significant opportunities for Kentucky’s offense, especially in Pope’s spacing-heavy system that emphasizes ball movement and three-point shooting.
The enthusiasm from Kentucky players is understandable. Momcilovic’s shooting ability forces defenses to extend far beyond the arc, creating driving lanes and easier scoring opportunities for everyone on the floor. Few players in the country possess the type of gravity he brings to an offense.
Kentucky players have spent much of the offseason watching roster changes unfold. After departures to the NBA Draft, graduation, and the transfer portal, there was uncertainty about how the Wildcats would stack up against the nation’s best programs heading into the 2026-27 season.
That uncertainty largely disappeared once Momcilovic announced his commitment. National analysts quickly adjusted their projections, with several ranking Kentucky among the nation’s top teams after previously leaving the Wildcats outside their preseason rankings.
Noah’s reaction mirrors the optimism now surrounding the program. As a player who understands the expectations that come with wearing a Kentucky jersey, he knows that adding elite talent is essential for competing in the SEC and making deep NCAA Tournament runs.
The addition also serves as another recruiting victory for Pope. Kentucky faced stiff competition from programs including Louisville, Arizona, and others before ultimately securing Momcilovic’s commitment. Landing the top available transfer demonstrated the program’s continued national appeal.
Inside the locker room, players appear eager to begin working with their new teammate. Summer practices are approaching, and Kentucky’s coaching staff will soon have the opportunity to integrate its new roster pieces into the system.
For Noah personally, the upcoming season could be an important one. After showing flashes of potential during his first two years in Lexington, he will be looking to carve out a larger role on a team expected to contend for championships.
Having a player like Momcilovic alongside him should only help that process. Defenses will naturally focus significant attention on Kentucky’s new star forward, potentially creating more opportunities for teammates to contribute offensively.
As excitement continues to build across Big Blue Nation, Noah’s reaction serves as a reminder that the enthusiasm isn’t limited to fans. Kentucky’s players understand exactly what Momcilovic brings to the table, and if their early reactions are any indication, the Wildcats believe they have assembled a roster capable of making serious noise during the 2026-27 season.
