Patience Pays Off: The Waiting Game in Kentucky Basketball
The Kentucky Wildcats have added another player to their roster, bringing the total to 13. With two spots still open, the team is in a waiting game, hoping for the addition of a big fish: Milan Momcilovic. This transfer portal season has been a stressful one for the Big Blue Nation, but the potential addition of Momcilovic could make it a success.
Momcilovic, a 6-foot-8 swingman, is a lights-out three-point shooter. Last year, he was the second-best three-point shooter in college basketball, netting 48.7% of his attempts while shooting 7.5 per game. This is a huge get for the Wildcats, but it's not without its challenges. Momcilovic is a fringe first-round NBA draft pick and has until midnight on May 27 to withdraw his name from the draft and return to college.
The waiting game has been unkind this offseason, thanks in large part to Tyran Stokes. Now, BBN is once again playing the waiting game as Momcilovic goes through the NBA Draft process. If he returns to college, it will still probably take a few weeks for him to weigh his college options.
Despite the waiting game, it's important to remember that there have been a few seasons changed by decisions made late in the process. Kevin Knox committed to Kentucky on Kentucky Derby Day in 2017, Adou Thiero announced his college decision on May 8, and Tyrese Maxey pledged his allegiance to the Wildcats on May 9. These late additions have a history of changing the trajectory of Kentucky basketball.
One notable example is the addition of Jamal Murray, who scored 30 points in the Nike Hoop Summit to become one of the most sought-after uncommitted college basketball prospects. His recruitment changed immediately, requiring time to reach a final decision. Murray was a Third Team All-American who scored 720 points in 2015-16, the most-ever by a Calipari player at the time.
As Big Blue Nation prepares to play the waiting game for Milan Momcilovic, it's important to remember that patience has paid off in the past for Kentucky basketball. The Wildcats have a history of making big moves late in the process, and the addition of Momcilovic could be another game-changer.
In my opinion, the waiting game is a necessary evil in college basketball. It's a chance for teams to make big moves and change the trajectory of their season. The addition of Momcilovic could be a game-changer for the Wildcats, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this team.
