Ranking the Contenders: 4-star Milan Momcilovic focused on ONE school as commitment nears
On3’s Joe Tipton broke the news in mid-June that four-star Milan Momcilovic was down to a Final six; Iowa State, Michigan State, UCLA, Minnesota, Virginia, and Louisville.
Tracking Milan Momcilovic’s visits, he took officials to Minnesota, Iowa State, UCLA, Michigan State, and Virginia. Momcilovic will decide before Peach Jam, which starts on Sunday, July 17.
Let’s rank the contenders for Wisconsin’s top-ranked 2023 prospect.
1. Iowa State
TJ Otzelberger has been very present in his recruitment of Momcilovic. He has visited the 2023 On3 Consensus No. 44 player numerous times in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and Otzelberger has been front and center during each of the NCAA Live Evaluation Periods.
The love has been shown, and the love has been felt.
“The open relationship and honesty I have with them. They have come down and visited with me like six times already. Because of that, I can see they really want me, and I appreciate that.”
Iowa State’s chances: 85%
2. Virginia
While Iowa State has been the leader in the clubhouse, Virginia and head coach Tony Bennett, have been looming in the shadows. Momcilovic has a prior relationship with 2022 Cavalier signee Leon Bond, and Bond has been working his angle.
There is a stylistic fit that is interesting as well. However, at the end of the day, Iowa State has been in it too strong and too long for Virginia to overcome the lead.
“Tony Bennett is an all-time great coach, and Virginia is an all-time great program. Going there will be very cool. Leon Bond is from my area in Wisconsin, and he committed there. He has been really talking it up, so that would be cool.”
Virginia’s chances: 5%
3. UCLA
The second UCLA offered, eyes perked up. It’s the glitz and glam of Los Angeles, mixed with the recent success of the basketball program and their Final Four run two years ago. All of this sets up nicely for the school to get a visit; however, the personal relationship and stylistic fit with other programs may be too deep.
“I mean, it’s UCLA. California, one of the great campuses in the world, the girls. They recently went to the final four, and just an all-time great program.”
UCLA’s chances: 5%
4. Michigan State
Michigan State has worked this one, they got the second to last official visit on June 10. Head coach Tom Izzo was courtside at the NBPA Top 100 Camp and during the NCAA Live Evaluation Period in Kansas City. For that reason, we will keep them on the list.
Michigan State’s chances: 5%
Final thoughts
Since the beginning, Milan Momcilovic has talked about his relationship with the coaches being the most important piece in his recruiting. Iowa State has dug in and made it a point to build a strong relationship.
The recruitment started with TJ Otzelberger, who did his part, showing up and being present as much as the rules would allow.
The Cyclones recently landed a commitment from On3’s No. 64 ranked Jelani Hamilton, and I have submitted an expert pick into On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine for them also to land five-star Omaha Biliew.
Look for a commitment to come within the latter part of the next five days, and – as things stand right now – look for Iowa State to be the choice.