Milan Momcilovic’s Journey: A Rising Star’s Impact on the Iowa State Cyclones
Sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic is on a mission to propel the Iowa State Cyclones deep into March Madness, building on the success of last season’s Big 12 Tournament victory and Sweet 16 appearance. Standing tall at 6 feet 8 inches, Momcilovic’s basketball prowess has been a driving force for the team, despite facing setbacks during his second collegiate season.
A hand injury sustained in practice sidelined Momcilovic for a month, coinciding with the Cyclones’ four consecutive Big 12 losses. The team’s standing suffered in his absence, underscoring his pivotal role on the court. Since his return, Iowa State has reclaimed its winning ways, boasting a 4-2 record with Momcilovic back in the starting lineup.
However, Momcilovic’s impact transcends his injury-laden second season, rooted in his remarkable journey from high school stardom to collegiate excellence. Hailing from Pewaukee High School in Wisconsin, Momcilovic’s standout performance, including 2,000 points, three state championships, and the title of Wisconsin Mr. Basketball, set the stage for his collegiate career.
Reflecting on his high school achievements, Momcilovic reminisces, “My high school career was definitely a good one to remember. The biggest thing was winning back-to-back-to-back, not many people did that in Wisconsin.” Amidst offers from various schools nationwide, Iowa State’s unwavering commitment to him stood out, solidifying his decision to join the Cyclones.
Joining the team under the leadership of Head Coach T.J. Otzelberger, Momcilovic’s arrival marked a turning point for the program. Otzelberger’s emphasis on recruiting players with superior skills aligned seamlessly with Momcilovic’s elite abilities, positioning him as a key asset on the court. Recognizing Momcilovic’s impact, Otzelberger praises, “Milan has an elite skill level, but also the ability to make his teammates better on both ends of the floor.”
In his freshman year, Momcilovic swiftly established himself as a starting player, a rarity for a true freshman, showcasing his scoring prowess and defensive tenacity. His consistent performance, averaging double figures in points, bolstered Iowa State’s success on the court. Momcilovic’s versatility, particularly his outside shooting, played a crucial role in spacing the floor and elevating the team’s offensive game.
Despite facing shooting slumps during conference play, Momcilovic’s resilience shone through pivotal moments, propelling the Cyclones to victories against formidable opponents like the Houston Cougars. His standout performances earned him accolades on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team and the Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team, setting the stage for a promising collegiate career.
As Momcilovic transitioned into his sophomore season, his focus on enhancing his defensive prowess, rebounding skills, and offensive aggression underscored his growth mindset. Coach Otzelberger commends Momcilovic’s progress, noting his improved movement, confidence in shooting, and heightened defensive acumen.
Teammates, too, laud Momcilovic’s evolution, acknowledging his expanded skill set, unwavering confidence, and defensive acuity. Junior guard Tamin Lipsey observes, “He’s a big part of our team. Defensively, I feel like he’s grown a lot from last year by getting faster and working on agility in the offseason.”
Amidst his soaring success, Momcilovic faced a setback in his sophomore season, enduring an injury to his non-shooting hand that sidelined him for a month. The Cyclones grappled with offensive adjustments in his absence, underscoring his irreplaceable presence on the court. Momcilovic’s return marked a turning point, fueling Iowa State’s resurgence with a resounding win over TCU.
Looking ahead, Momcilovic remains steadfast in his commitment to propel the Cyclones to victory, eyeing a strong finish to the season and a promising future in basketball. His unwavering dedication, work ethic, and team-first mentality underscore his impact on and off the court, setting the stage for a bright career ahead.
