The Arizona Wildcats basketball team faces a shift in their roster plans as Koa Peat, a promising player, has decided to remain in the 2026 NBA Draft. Peat, who impressed with an average of 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds during his freshman year, was expected to return to the University of Arizona for another season. His decision to stay in the draft, where he is projected as a late first-round pick, leaves the Wildcats with an open roster spot and available budget.

Potential New Addition

In light of Peat’s decision, Arizona is turning its attention to Milan Momcilovic, a former Iowa State forward who recently withdrew from the NBA Draft. Momcilovic has become a highly sought-after player in the NCAA transfer portal. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 220 pounds, he led the nation with 136 successful 3-pointers last season, boasting a remarkable 48.7 percent success rate from beyond the arc. His performance has caught the attention of several top programs, including Kentucky, Louisville, St. John’s, and Texas Tech.

Momcilovic, who averaged 16.9 points per game last season, played a crucial role in Iowa State’s journey to the NCAA Tournament, where they reached the Sweet 16. During the NBA Draft Combine, he expressed confidence in making a swift decision regarding his next college team, citing his experience and understanding of what to look for in a program.

Wildcats’ Current Roster Moves

Arizona has been proactive in strengthening its roster, having already added four players from the transfer portal. The new additions include guards Derek Dixon from North Carolina and JJ Mandaquit from Washington, as well as big men Ugnius Jarusevicius from Nebraska and Evan Otten from Idaho State. Additionally, the Wildcats have retained key players Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov, both of whom were starters in the team’s Final Four appearance.

With two open roster spots remaining, the Wildcats are in a strong position to incorporate a player of Momcilovic’s caliber, should he choose to join their ranks. His potential addition could significantly bolster Arizona’s perimeter shooting capabilities and overall team performance in the upcoming season.

Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.