As Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball continues searching for one more impact addition for next season, Milan Momcilovic has seemingly remained the biggest name still connected to the Wildcats.
However, Kentucky also reportedly attempted to enter the mix for former Santa Clara Broncos men’s basketball forward Allen Graves, though it does not appear that the pursuit gained much traction.
Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball explored the possibility of adding former Santa Clara Broncos men’s basketball standout Allen Graves, but the pursuit appears unlikely to gain traction. According to ESPN insider Jeff Borzello, Graves said the only programs he has seriously discussed are Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball and LSU Tigers men’s basketball, while Kentucky merely contacted his agents to gauge interest.
The 6-foot-9 forward is still prioritizing the 2026 NBA Draft over a college return. Graves reportedly told Borzello he would rather remain in the draft if evaluators project him as a first-round pick.
Graves became one of the hottest names in the transfer portal after a breakout freshman season at Santa Clara. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and shot 41.3% from three-point range while earning WCC Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year honors.
Kentucky fans remember Graves well from the NCAA Tournament, where he nearly knocked off the Wildcats by hitting a late go-ahead three in the Round of 64 before Otega Oweh answered with a dramatic shot to force overtime in Kentucky’s eventual win. �
For Mark Pope and Kentucky, the update is another sign that landing a final impact transfer could be difficult late in the cycle. Reports continue to link the Wildcats heavily with Milan Momcilovic as one of the few remaining high-level options still available.
The 6-foot-9, 225-pound Los Angeles native emerged as one of the biggest breakout stars in the WCC last season for Santa Clara Broncos men’s basketball. Graves averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 assists while shooting an impressive 41.3% from 3-point range across just 22.6 minutes per game.
He also delivered one of the most memorable moments of the NCAA Tournament against Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball. Graves buried a go-ahead 3-pointer late in regulation that appeared set to send Santa Clara past the Wildcats in the Round of 64. But moments later, Otega Oweh answered with a dramatic near-midcourt triple at the buzzer, forcing overtime and helping Kentucky escape with a comeback victory.
It’s easy to understand why Mark Pope tried to enter the mix for Allen Graves, given the forward’s size, versatility, and perimeter shooting ability. But with Graves seemingly focused on the NBA Draft — and only considering Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball and LSU Tigers men’s basketball if he returns to college — it now appears Milan Momcilovic could be the Wildcats’ final realistic chance to land another marquee addition this offseason.
At this stage, it may be Momcilovic or bust for Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball when it comes to adding another true star-caliber player to the roster.
