Iowa State Unveils Enhanced Version of UK’s Former Rival, Jack Gohlke

Kentucky heads into its second-round NCAA Tournament game in St. Louis wary of a long-range threat. Iowa State junior Milan Momcilovic has emerged as one of the nation’s most dangerous shooters. The 6-foot-8 forward has carried the Cyclones through the opening weekend.

Momcilovic’s shooting surge

Momcilovic averages 17.1 points per game this season. He has started all 35 games for Iowa State and logs more than 30 minutes per contest.

He is shooting 49.4 percent from 3-point range. He attempts an average of 7.5 shots from deep and makes roughly 3.7 per game.

Through the weekend, Momcilovic led the country in 3-point percentage and in total 3-pointers made, with 130 long-range field goals. He ranked fourth in made 3s per game and 21st in total attempts with 263. His overall field-goal percentage sits at 51.3.

Matchup and game plan

Kentucky coach Mark Pope stressed disruption and physicality as keys. The Cats plan to emphasize communication on ball screens and to contest catches and staggered actions.

Players noted the need to force him off the line and to deny easy rhythm. Kentucky will mix switching and matchups to limit his looks from deep.

Player roles and defensive adjustments

Junior forward Brandon Garrison’s ability to switch onto guards gave Kentucky a boost late in its overtime win. That defensive flexibility will be important again.

UK forwards and guards will sometimes surrender inches when called upon to guard Momcilovic. Coaches said taking away his timing is vital.

Injury update and Iowa State depth

All‑American senior Joshua Jefferson was listed as unlikely to play after spraining his left ankle in Iowa State’s first-round win. The injury occurred in the game against Tennessee State on March 20, 2026.

With Jefferson limited, Momcilovic is expected to shoulder a larger offensive load for T.J. Otzelberger’s team on March 21 in St. Louis.

Statistical and historic context

Iowa State shoots 38.9 percent from three as a team, the seventh-best mark nationally. That percentage sets up a clear strategic clash with Kentucky.

Kentucky opponents have hit 31.8 percent from beyond the arc this season. Combined, high-major opponents and Santa Clara converted 220 of 655 attempts, a 33.6 percent clip.

Fans were reminded of the damage a hot shooting performance can do. On March 21, 2024, Oakland guard Jack Gohlke scored 32 points and drained 10 3-pointers to upset Kentucky in Pittsburgh. That game marked the final one coached by John Calipari, who finished with 533 games at Kentucky.

Some observers framed the current matchup as Iowa State Unveils Enhanced Version of UK’s Former Rival, Jack Gohlke, given Momcilovic’s volume and accuracy from deep.

The second-round meeting takes place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 21, 2026. Coaches and players on both sides called for disciplined defense, rebounding and timely communication.

Cameron Drummond contributed reporting for Filmogaz.com.