With the college basketball offseason in full swing and the NBA Draft right around the corner, it’s that time of the year when players have big decisions to make.
The transfer portal continues to be the big money-maker for college athletes, and a new No. 1 has just topped the list, sending shockwaves through the portal. Now, plenty of teams are now set to bid for the services of a March Madness star.
Iowa State Standout Milan Momcilovic Enters Transfer Portal
Sharpshooters are incredibly valuable in the transfer portal, which puts Iowa State star Milan Momcilovic immediately at the top of the list when it comes to sought-after forwards in the portal.
Momcilovic announced on X that he will not only enter the transfer portal but also declare for the 2026 NBA Draft. He ill have until May 27 to decide whether to remain in the portal or chase his professional dreams and remain in the 2026 NBA Draft.
NEWS: Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic is entering the NBA draft and the transfer portal, he announced. First by @DraftExpress. The best shooter in college basketball this past season, Momcilovic becomes the No. 1 player in the portal. Averaged 16.9 PPG and shot 48.7% from 3. pic.twitter.com/ZwWxBHzcXY
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 12, 2026
“The best shooter in college basketball this past season, Momcilovic becomes the No. 1 player in the portal,” ESPN’s Jeff Borzello posted to X. “Averaged 16.9 PPG and shot 48.7% from 3.”
Momcilovic’s decision is layered, but it is one that is quite common in this era of college basketball. By testing the NBA Draft process while entering the portal, he is able to keep every option open: turn pro, return to Iowa State, or land with a new program in a bigger spotlight. That flexibility is essential as he tries to decide on the best future for himself, while having the opportunity to demand a hefty price tag.
MORE: College Basketball 2026 Transfer Portal Tracker: Complete List of Players Who Are Available
What comes next will depend entirely on how NBA teams evaluate the rest of Momcilovic’s game. Many NBA draft experts are projecting the Iowa State junior to be a middle-to-late second-round pick, making the possibility of getting drafted far from a sure thing. He is the No. 52-ranked prospect in PFSN’s NBA Mock Draft Simulator.
Given that projection, he can earn significantly more by returning to college basketball than entering the NBA Draft.
There is far from any concern about Momcilovic’s shooting ability, but front offices will be looking closely at his defensive mobility and his ability to impact the game beyond the perimeter. His game certainly needs to be rounded out, but NBA teams may be inclined to use a draft pick to prioritize his development as a pro.
On the other hand, if Momcilovic decides on returning to college basketball for his senior season, the six-foot-eight sharpshooter will be as coveted as anyone. Providing shooting and NCAA Tournament experience, the race to acquire his services will be crowded with top-25 teams.
Momcilovic has put himself in a position where every path forward benefits him. Whether it’s hearing his name called on draft night or returning to college as the most coveted player in the sport, he controls his destiny. When a player with that kind of shooting ability hits the market, everything shifts for teams looking to add high-end talent in order to compete for a national championship.
