Kentucky has plenty of reasons to be concerned after its disappointing performance against Kansas, but one particular issue deserves even more attention as Mark Pope looks to get his Wildcats back on track.
Milan Momcilovic is supposed to be one of the most dangerous shooting weapons on Kentucky’s roster. Yet during Tuesday night’s 89-69 defeat to the Jayhawks, the talented forward struggled to get enough opportunities to showcase what makes him such a special offensive player.
For a team that needs reliable scoring options, that is something Pope and his coaching staff cannot afford to overlook.
Momcilovic attempted just seven shots against Kansas, with only three coming from beyond the three-point line. Considering his reputation as an exceptional perimeter shooter, those numbers raise an important question: Is Kentucky doing enough to put its best shooting weapon in positions where he can make a difference?
The answer could have significant implications for the Wildcats’ offensive development.
Big Blue Nation has already expressed frustration following the heavy defeat, and the limited involvement of Momcilovic has become another talking point among Kentucky supporters.
There is no question that Kansas deserves credit for its defensive approach. However, Kentucky must also find creative ways to ensure that an elite shooter like Momcilovic remains involved, even when opposing defenses make him their primary target.
And that responsibility starts with Pope and his coaching staff.
Mark Pope Knows Something Must Change
Following the loss, Pope acknowledged that Kentucky needs to become more creative when it comes to generating opportunities for Momcilovic.
“We’ve got to be more creative to find ways to get him shots,” Pope said.
That statement is particularly interesting because it suggests the coaching staff recognizes that Momcilovic’s limited involvement cannot simply become an acceptable part of Kentucky’s offensive approach.
The Wildcats need to make better use of his shooting ability.
One possible solution involves designing more offensive actions specifically around him. Kentucky could use off-ball screens, staggered screens, quick handoffs, and movement away from the basketball to create separation before Momcilovic receives a pass.
Instead of allowing opposing defenders to remain comfortably positioned around him, the Wildcats must constantly make those defenders work.
The more movement Momcilovic generates, the more difficult it becomes for opponents to completely eliminate his shooting opportunities.
This is particularly important against teams with strong defensive personnel, such as Kansas.
Momcilovic Must Also Find Ways to Create His Own Opportunities
While Pope deserves responsibility for finding ways to get his talented shooter more involved, Momcilovic also has an opportunity to make adjustments.
Kansas clearly understood the importance of limiting his influence, and the Jayhawks appeared determined not to give him comfortable looks from beyond the arc.
That is a challenge every elite shooter eventually faces.
The next step for Momcilovic is learning how to punish defenders who aggressively close out on him.
One effective weapon could be the shot fake.
By convincing defenders that he is preparing to shoot, Momcilovic can create opportunities to attack closeouts, take a dribble into open space, or reposition himself for a better three-point attempt.
He does not necessarily need to become the most explosive athlete on the floor to make those adjustments effective.
Good timing, patience, footwork, and decision-making can make an enormous difference.
Kentucky supporters have already seen how valuable these skills can be.
Koby Brea Could Provide a Useful Blueprint
There is a former Kentucky player who offers an interesting example of the type of movement and shooting creativity Momcilovic could incorporate into his game.
Koby Brea, who played on Pope’s first Kentucky team, was particularly effective at finding opportunities through intelligent movement and creating space for his shot.
Brea understood how to use defensive pressure to his advantage, making it difficult for opponents to completely take away his perimeter shooting.
Momcilovic could benefit from studying similar approaches.
However, the responsibility should not rest entirely on the player.
Pope must also create an offensive environment that allows his best shooters to operate comfortably.
Sometimes that means running additional actions to free a shooter from defensive pressure. Other times, it means trusting him enough to take difficult attempts when the opportunity presents itself.
Kentucky cannot expect Momcilovic to become a consistent offensive difference-maker if he spends large portions of important games struggling to get involved.
Kentucky Needs to Get More From Its Investment
Momcilovic arrived in Lexington with enormous expectations, and reports surrounding his reported NIL compensation have only increased the attention on his performances.
The Wildcats brought him in expecting a major offensive contribution, particularly because of his perimeter shooting ability.
Against Kansas, however, he did not have the opportunity to demonstrate the full extent of what he can offer.
That does not mean his talent has disappeared or that one difficult performance should define his Kentucky career.
Rather, it highlights an area where the coaching staff can potentially make meaningful improvements.
Kentucky needs reliable scoring, better offensive rhythm, and players capable of stretching opposing defenses.
Momcilovic can help provide all three.
When a dangerous shooter commands defensive attention, it also creates opportunities for teammates to attack the basket, operate in the paint, and find better scoring positions.
In other words, getting Momcilovic more involved could benefit the entire Kentucky offense.
The Indiana Showdown Could Be an Important Opportunity
Kentucky’s next major challenge against Indiana on November 20 provides Pope with another opportunity to address the concerns that emerged against Kansas.
The Wildcats cannot afford to become predictable offensively, particularly against opponents capable of applying defensive pressure and disrupting their preferred scoring options.
Finding more creative ways to involve Momcilovic should be an important part of the preparation.
That could mean more designed perimeter actions, improved ball movement, better off-ball positioning, and greater willingness to trust him when he gets an opportunity to shoot.
Momcilovic also needs to remain aggressive, recognize defensive openings, and avoid allowing opponents to dictate how frequently he gets involved.
There is still plenty of basketball ahead, and Kentucky has an opportunity to turn this early disappointment into a valuable learning experience.
But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the Wildcats need to get more from one of their most talented shooting weapons.
Mark Pope has already acknowledged the issue.
Now, Big Blue Nation will be watching to see what adjustments he makes.
