Koa Peat’s decision to stay in the 2026 NBA Draft leaves Arizona with two open roster spots and a key vacancy after the freshman averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds.
Milan Momcilovic emerged as the Wildcats’ top replacement target after the former Iowa State forward withdrew from the draft Wednesday and became one of the portal’s most sought-after players.
Momcilovic averaged 16.9 points last season while leading Division I with 136 made 3-pointers and a 48.7% mark from deep, giving Arizona a potential high-end shooting upgrade.
Kentucky, Louisville, St. John’s and Texas Tech are also recruiting the 6-foot-8 forward, though Momcilovic said at the draft combine he expects to choose quickly among only three or four schools.
Arizona has already added four transfers and three freshmen while retaining Final Four starters Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov, making Peat’s departure the program’s biggest remaining roster question.
Why did Koa Peat choose the NBA while his teammate, also a top prospect, stayed for a massive NIL deal?
Will Koa Peat’s poor combine shooting cause his projected first-round NBA draft stock to collapse?
Can Arizona replace Koa Peat by landing the transfer portal's best shooter to save its championship hopes?