Did Mark Pope and Kentucky end up landing the two best transfers?

Milan Momcilovic and Mark Mitchell will be a dangerous duo in Lexington.

Kentucky basketball head coach Mark Pope gives an update on the upcoming 2026-27 season during a press conference in Lexington, Kentucky July 24, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Creators. That's what Mark Pope has said he prioritized getting this offseason. He got just that by bringing in Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the backcourt. And it's who's around them that will allow the two to be able to be great creators, two of which may have been the best portal options of anyone.

Back in June, Mark Pope landed Milan Momcilovic and turned Kentucky's roster into a team capable of making a deep tournament run and solidifying themselves as a top 20 team after also getting Malachi Moreno back just a few weeks earlier. Then, after being in pursuit of someone to fill the 15th and final roster spot, the Wildcats got Mark Mitchell. It took a judge ruling and a court case, but Pope got his guy. Now, Kentucky has a top 10 team and may have also gotten the two best players in the entire portal.

Mar 27, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) reacts in the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

First off, Milan Momcilovic's shooting ability is incredible. He led college basketball in three-point percentage last season, shooting it at 48.7% and breaking a program record at Iowa State for made threes with 136 on the year. That's impressive, and now he's on his way to play in a system tailored for his shooting. Mark Pope will space the floor and unless something unexpected happens, let Momcilovic have the ultimate green light whenever he gets even a sliver of space. Then, there's Mark Mitchell who is one of the more versatile players to come out of the portal. His back-to-back 32 point games last season speak to that. His ability to crash the paint and defend at a high level will go will with his scoring ability.

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) drives to the basket \against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes during the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Those two together can create some serious threats for Kentucky to use. We know Momcilovic's shooting ability will be extremely valuable to the team's success, but now you're combining that with someone who is versatile and can score in different ways, especially attacking the rim. With so much attention expected to be on Momcilovic out on the perimeter, you can expect Pope to use that to his advantage with Mitchell now in the fold. Those creators in the backcourt will have plenty of options for go-to scorers.

Kentucky now has a true title-contending roster and it starts with two top transfers in Milan Momcilovic and Mark Mitchell, who are going to instantly impact how far the Wildcats can go next season and there aren't many transfers, if any, who will have a bigger one on their team.

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