Some NBA executives say both Moreno and Momcilovic should return to college for another year.
Kentucky fans are eagerly awaiting two announcements. One, from their star big man in hopes he will return for another year, who was the top priortity this offseason, but also from top target Milan Momcilovic, the star get and excellent fit that Pope is looking to fill out the upcoming roster with. As the weigh their big decisions, NBA folks are giving their opinions on the best option for them.
Obviously, Big Blue Nation would welcome both Malachi Moreno and Milan Momcilovic back in a heartbeat, but ultimately, the decision comes down to what they believe is best for their futures.
What makes this especially intriguing is the feedback coming from NBA personnel during the past two weeks at the NBA Draft Combine. Recently, Jeff Goodman of � polled 10 NBA executives, asking whether several prospects should remain in the draft or return to college basketball. The feedback surrounding Moreno and Momcilovic should have Kentucky fans feeling optimistic.
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According to Goodman’s poll, the overwhelming belief among NBA decision-makers is that both players would significantly benefit from another season at the college level. Executives reportedly view Moreno as a long-term developmental prospect with intriguing upside, but one who could improve his draft stock dramatically by returning to school and continuing to expand his offensive game, strength, and consistency against high-level competition.
The 7-footer has already built a reputation as a skilled interior presence with strong timing as a rim protector and rebounder. However, evaluators still want to see more physical development and offensive polish before projecting him as a reliable NBA rotation big. Another college season could allow Moreno to showcase a more complete scoring package while proving he can consistently impact games against elite opponents.
As for Momcilovic, scouts reportedly believe another year in college could help him round out his overall game and improve his defensive versatility. The talented forward already possesses NBA-level shooting ability and offensive instincts, but executives appear to think he could raise his stock substantially by showing improved athleticism, consistency, and two-way impact next season.
Momcilovic’s ability to stretch the floor at his size will always make him an intriguing NBA prospect, and a productive return to college basketball could potentially move him from a fringe draft candidate into a much safer selection in next year’s class.
For Kentucky fans, the possibility of either player returning is exciting enough. The idea that NBA executives themselves believe both Moreno and Momcilovic would benefit from another collegiate season only adds more fuel to the optimism surrounding next year’s roster possibilities.
As for Moreno, out of the 10 league executives polled, nine of them believe he should return to college for another year, with one saying he needs to take advantage of first-round buzz and stay. Then, there’s Momcilovic, who has already said if he slides into late-second round, he would ‘probably’ come back to college. As for the results on him, all 10 executives said he should return to college for another year. Kentucky’s top two priorities by a mile look to be getting some honest feedback from NBA folks and rightfully so because you can’t deny the benefits of them coming back and developing.
With Moreno, he does have a unique opportunity this year to be one of the few younger guys left after to top few prospects, which adds intrigue for many front offices, but there’s still a big gamble with his projected placement in the draft. With some believing in the first round buzz, there are plenty of mock drafts that have him slotted either on the edge of the first round of the second, which means Moreno isn’t a likely first round guarantee. Coming back would not only help him boost his stick, but next year’s draft class is expected to be much weaker, giving him a very unique opportunity to take a leap and continue developing his case as a hopeful clear first-round pick by the end of the year
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Momcilovic’s case is much clearer, as a return to college could boost his draft stock exponentially. Right now, he is slotted in as a mid-to-late second-round pick in many mock drafts, which is when two-way contracts come in, and that doesn’t guarantee you much when you’re later in the second round. We’ve already dove into reasons for fans to be optimistic about a return a few weeks ago. Add in the excellent fit that Momcilovic would be at Kentucky and the duo would be massive, given the Wildcats being projected outside of the top 25 right now.
Get those two, and Kentucky’s floor raises significantly and both have an opportunity to really boost their stock throughout the year. We’ve got a couple of very big decisions coming up for Mark Pope’s year three outlook.
