Louisville basketball’s eye-popping offseason isn’t over just yet, as the Cardinals are making a strong push for 5-star power forward Milan Momcilovic. The Iowa State transfer recently withdrew his name from the NBA Draft, and the Cardinals are in a heated recruiting battle with their biggest rival, the Kentucky Wildcats.
Louisville’s projected lineup if it lands Milan Momcilovic would put Cards in NCAA Title hunt
Right now, Louisville and Kentucky are considered the frontrunners in this recruiting battle, with Arizona behind the two programs. Kentucky, at the moment, is the slight favorite in many reporters' eyes, but all that might change as it was reported that Louisville and Pat Kelsey had a Zoom call with the 5-star power forward.
Louisville basketball meets with 5-star Milan Momcilovic
Kentucky sports insider Matt Jones reported the Cardinals had a Zoom call with Momcilovic. He reported that the Louisville offer remains the same and is slightly less than Kentucky's. And after hearing the Cardinals are offering slightly less than Kentucky, it makes it clear they are trying to pitch something Kentucky can’t.
Louisville zoomed today with Milan. I am told their offer remains the same, which is likely slightly less of a number than Kentucky. Arizona is also less as well
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 29, 2026
Kentucky has done all it can so now it’s just whether Milan wants to play here.
With Louisville offering Momcilovic a bit less than Kentucky, it certainly makes it seem like Kelsey is trying to sell the 5-star on the chance of winning the National Title. Louisville is reportedly offering him “slightly less”, which makes it seem like it isn’t a massive pay cut if he commits to Louisville over Kentucky, and it is a no-brainer if he comes to the Cardinals, Louisville has a much higher chance of winning the title than if he went to Kentucky.
Louisville has the No. 1 overall Transfer Portal class and the No. 18 overall 2026 recruiting class. The Cardinals have already landed a 5-star transfer and the No. 1 overall transfer, Flory Bidunga, meaning if Momcilovic commits to Louisville, the Cards would sweep the top two rated transfers in the portal this offseason.
They also landed 5-star 2026 recruit Obinna Ekezie Jr., meaning Momcilovic would be Kelsey’s third 5-star this offseason. Kelsey has had some portal magic in his three offseasons with Louisville, and the Cardinals' meeting with Momcilovic, keeping their offer the same and slightly less, makes it clear they are pitching a National Title opportunity to the 5-star if he commits. And while if he went to Pope and Kentucky, the Cats would be a top 25 team in the nation, they simply wouldn't have the same chance as Louisville to win the title, even if Momcilovic commits to the Cardinals.
Also read: Louisville basketball has an obvious No. 1 target after Flory Bidunga update
For all the latest news and updates on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.
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