Milan Momcilovic’s nickname?
Milan Momcilovic, who liked watching the Turkish Thunder, has his own nickname
The 2025 NBA Draft was a big one for players with Wisconsin ties, including Kon Knueppel earning the highest-ever pick for a state native by going No. 4 to the Charlotte Hornets.
For the front offices of NBA teams, it’s never too early to start thinking about the 2026 draft. But unfortunately for local draftniks, there aren’t a lot of Sconnies expected to get picked high next year.
It’s hard projecting how 18- to 22-year-olds will improve or regress, so these things can change quickly. After all, no one would have said last summer that John Tonje would be drafted after one season with the Wisconsin Badgers.
So here are a few names who could pop up on mock draft lists throughout the next year.
(Alphabetical order)
John Blackwell, Wisconsin
The 6-foot-4 guard already has tested the waters of the NBA, declaring for the draft after averaging 15.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game as a sophomore. But he did not get invited to the NBA combine or the pre-draft G League camp and returned to the Badgers. With Tonje gone, Blackwell will have the ball in his hands more and could be an all-Big Ten performer.
Will he get picked? There’s still a lot of untapped potential in Blackwell. With a big season, it’s easy to envision him as an early second-round pick next year.
Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State
The former Pewaukee standout is a 6-8 sharpshooter with a solid frame, so he’s already intrigued NBA scouts, though they probably have questions about his ability to guard pro players on the perimeter. Momcilovic was hampered last season by a left (non-dominant) hand injury as a sophomore and missed seven games. He still averaged 11.5 points per game and shot 39.5% from deep.
Will he get picked? He could possibly be a second-rounder, but with another season of eligibility, Momcilovic would have to think about staying in college for the name, image and likeness money. The Cyclones are set up to be good for the next few seasons, with lots of Sconnies on the roster, including incoming freshmen Jamarion Batemon (Milwaukee Academy of Science) and Xzavion Mitchell (Oshkosh North), and coach T.J. Otzelberger (St. Thomas More).
Chase Ross, Marquette
The 6-4 Ross definitely has NBA-level athleticism. With Kam Jones now in the NBA, the Golden Eagles need returning players to step up their playmaking ability so there is a big opportunity for Ross to improve his numbers. Ross also will need to stay healthy after shoulder and thumb injuries affected him over the past two seasons.
Will he get picked? Ross could sneak into the second round with a strong senior season, but he’ll likely have to work his way into the NBA through the G League.
Seth Trimble, North Carolina
Unlike Momcilovic and Blackwell, Trimble will be done with college after next season. Like Ross, Trimble has jaw-dropping athleticism. But the 6-3 former Menomonee Falls star would have to play point guard in the NBA, so he’ll need to prove his playmaking ability and also be a consistent three-point shooter. The good news is that Trimble showed he is fearless attacking the rim (140 free-throw attempts last season). That he shot 82.1% from the free-throw line would indicate good touch despite being a 29.8% three-point shooter over three seasons with the Tar Heels.
Will he get picked? Teams could see his ability to be a defensive stopper and pick him in the second round in hopes that he’ll be a good backup guard.
Nolan Winter, Wisconsin
This might seem a year too early, but a 7-footer who can shoot (35.8% on threes as a sophomore last season) will always get a closer look. With Steven Crowl gone, Winter will see an increase in his role. He’ll have to continue to get stronger, but he’s shown that he will put in the work.
Will he get picked? It’s not crazy to think Winter has a chance. In ESPN’s latest 2026 mock draft, he is seen as the No. 53 pick. Winter and Momcilivic might end up in the same situation, having to decide if it’s more valuable − both development-wise and financially − to stay for a senior season.