Mar 22, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) celebrates after a play during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images | Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Even though Milan Momcilovic spent the first three seasons at Iowa State, he’s aware of the rivalry he’s coming to at Kentucky.

Yes, there’s Kentucky – Louisville. There’s also Kentucky – Tennessee.

Given how each of the five games has gone between Kentucky and Tennessee in Mark Pope’s first two seasons, with Kentucky 4-1 in those games, Momcilovic is walking to a Border War that’s as good as it has ever been. Just look at the two games last year between the Cats and the Vols.

Advertisement

For Momcilovic, he’s coming with a chip on his shoulder because his Iowa State team was knocked out by the Vols in the Sweet 16 in this year’s Tournament. That game saw Momcilovic score just six points on 2/9 shooting, including 2/7 from 3-point range in the game.

During Thursday’s media availability, Momcilovic said that he wants to “get them back” in reference to the Vols, and he’ll have multiple chances to do so.

Kentucky and Tennessee will play twice this season, and that’s just in the regular season. They could meet again in the SEC Tournament. Heck, maybe even a fourth time in the NCAA Tournament. Regardless, Momcilovic will have multiple shots at getting back at Tennessee.

Iowa State doesn’t really have a huge in-conference rival in the Big 12. It will be new for Momcilovic playing against a heated in-conference rival twice in the regular season, but who doesn’t love a heated rivalry?

Add us to your “Preferred Sources” on Google to get all the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views! And Go CATS!!