Iowa State standout Milan Momcilovic has reportedly decided to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to college, according to ESPN. The decision was first reported by ESPN draft analyst Jeff Borzello, who wrote that Momcilovic is stepping back from the professional draft process and planning to resume his college career. The move comes as part of an ongoing pattern in which top prospects reassess their readiness, fit, and development timeline after gauging feedback and opportunities associated with entering the draft.
At the center of the update is the question of where Momcilovic will play next. While he has confirmed he will not proceed with the NBA Draft, he remains “still uncommitted to a program,” meaning his next step in college is not yet finalized. In practice, that suggests he could potentially return to his current school, Iowa State, or pursue another opportunity elsewhere depending on what programs and opportunities are available to him. Until his decision on a college destination is finalized, fans and analysts are left with uncertainty regarding both his immediate role and long-term trajectory.
This announcement is a notable shift for a player whose draft stock and future had become a topic of discussion leading into the draft cycle. When a player withdraws from the draft, it often indicates that the athlete believes an additional season in college will better position him for future goals—whether that’s improving specific skills, gaining more experience, raising his level of play against high-level competition, or enhancing his overall draft readiness at a later time. It can also reflect personal and strategic reasons, such as preferred coaching, system fit, academic considerations, and the benefits of staying in a familiar environment.
Momcilovic’s decision also has wider implications for the teams and fanbases that track his development. For Iowa State, if he indeed chooses to return, his return would likely be viewed as a meaningful boost, given his status as a star within the program. A strong returning player can stabilize a roster, provide leadership, and help the team maintain competitiveness. On the other hand, if he chooses a different destination, Iowa State would need to adjust plans for roster depth and future lineup construction, while the program he chooses would gain a player with established college impact.
In the context of college basketball and draft preparation, the withdrawal reinforces how fluid the offseason can be for players navigating the decision between staying in school and turning pro. Entering a draft can be a way for prospects to test the waters and gather feedback, but withdrawing can mean that the athlete is not fully convinced that the timing is right. This can be influenced by many factors—projected draft position, strength of the incoming draft class, team needs at certain positions, developmental targets, or even the athlete’s assessment of what kind of role he might realistically earn if he were to go pro immediately.
ESPN’s reporting indicates that the key facts right now are straightforward: Momcilovic is withdrawing from the NBA Draft and returning to college. The remaining open question is his destination program. The statement that he is still uncommitted signals that negotiations, recruiting considerations, or internal decisions are still ongoing.
As more information becomes available—especially if Momcilovic confirms whether he will return to Iowa State or join another program—attention will likely turn to how his additional season might reshape team expectations. Fans will also watch for how his performance in the coming college season could influence his eventual draft status later, potentially setting up a different timeline for his professional ambitions.
For now, the news is clear: Milan Momcilovic will not be part of this NBA Draft class, and he is preparing to continue his development in college. His next program remains undecided, leaving the basketball community to wait for the official commitment that will determine the immediate impact of his return to the collegiate ranks. Source: Jeff Borzello (ESPN).
Cats Coverage: BREAKING: Iowa State star, Milan Momcilovic, has announced that he is withdrawing from the NBA Draft and returning back to college, per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello. Still uncommitted to a program.. #breaking
— @Cats_Coverage May 1, 2026
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