ISU star Milan Momcilovic is eager to destigmatize the term "volume shooter"

[The Rob Gray]

ISU star Milan Momcilovic is eager to destigmatize the term "volume shooter"

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) shoots against Lipscomb Bisons forward Rylan Houck (1) during the second half of a first round NCAA men’s tournament game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images AMES — Iowa State junior forw

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[JP4CY]

Momcilovic took an average of 5.8 long-range shots last season. Otzelberger would like to see that number spike toward ten this season.

 

[Gunnerclone]

For real. he doesn’t shoot nearly enough. That’s basically all he does so when he doesn’t do it it’s pretty frustrating.

 

[JP4CY]

For real. he doesn’t shoot nearly enough. That’s basically all he does so when he doesn’t do it it’s pretty frustrating.

He can space the floor. Perimeter, his mini dream shake by the baseline, his pull up jumpers outside of the paint.
His release point is SO DAMN TOUGH to defend.

 

[RonBurgundy]

Maybe he ought to just focus on not being terrible in big games.

 

[CloneLawman]

Maybe he ought to just focus on not being terrible in big games.

 

[Letterkenny]

Maybe he ought to just focus on not being terrible in big games.

He was our best player by far in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Or does that not count as a "big game"?

 

[CloneLawman]

 

[CloneLawman]

 

[RoseClone]

Maybe he ought to just focus on not being terrible in big games.

 

[RonBurgundy]

He was our best player by far in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Or does that not count as a "big game"?

LOL. You talking about a first round game as #2 ISU v a #15 SDSU, or a first round game as #3 ISU v a #14 Lipscomb?

ISU failed to even play to seed the last two tourneys.

In 2024, Milan was 0-4 from the field as a starter and #2 seed ISU lost short of the Elite Eight. In 2025, Milan was 2-12 and 1-8 from three as a starter and ISU lost short of even the Sweet Sixteen. And if you watched the game, his contributions on defense and rebounding were equally as dismal.

So, yes, as a starter, I am hoping he learns to step up during the tournament and not disappear.

 

[Cyinthenorth]

He is a very smooth player but seems to really be disturbed by tough physical play. I know most players probably don't prefer to be defended in that manner, but it seems like he kind of falters a bit or fades into the background if things aren't coming easy. But, that was him as an 18-19 y.o. Perhaps it starts looking different in year 3. Hope so at least.

 

[Letterkenny]

LOL. You talking about a first round game as #2 ISU v a #15 SDSU, or a first round game as #3 ISU v a #14 Lipscomb?

ISU failed to even play to seed the last two tourneys.

In 2024, Milan was 0-4 from the field as a starter and #2 seed ISU lost short of the Elite Eight. In 2025, Milan was 2-12 and 1-8 from three as a starter and ISU lost short of even the Sweet Sixteen. And if you watched the game, his contributions on defense and rebounding were equally as dismal.

So, yes, as a starter, I am hoping he learns to step up during the tournament and not disappear.

Yeah, his tournament appearances looking pretty bad if you ignore half the games he played in.

 

[Statefan10]

LOL. You talking about a first round game as #2 ISU v a #15 SDSU, or a first round game as #3 ISU v a #14 Lipscomb?

ISU failed to even play to seed the last two tourneys.

In 2024, Milan was 0-4 from the field as a starter and #2 seed ISU lost short of the Elite Eight. In 2025, Milan was 2-12 and 1-8 from three as a starter and ISU lost short of even the Sweet Sixteen. And if you watched the game, his contributions on defense and rebounding were equally as dismal.

So, yes, as a starter, I am hoping he learns to step up during the tournament and not disappear.

Ah, yes, because losing a one possession game in a 2/3 seed matchup is a huge upset. And last year the team we rolled out there was absolutely not the seed we earned throughout the year. 10% healthy Tamin who barely played and no Keshon. Narrative’s a little different than you’re remembering.

Milan needs to not be ice cold in those type of games though, I can agree with that. Those performances did happen as an underclassman however so he has plenty of opportunities to redeem himself in the tournament. Outside of the tournament he’s been pretty rock solid and I don’t think dogging on him really makes any sense.

 

[xboxfever]

I fully expect a big jump in Milan’s game going into year 3. That’s when most players take a leap in quality of play.

 

[LLCoolCY]

I fully expect a big jump in Milan’s game going into year 3. That’s when most players take a leap in quality of play.

This^
Milan has already had some very good impactful games his Freshman and Sophomore years. Consistency hasn't always been there but we saw growth and more aggressiveness in year 2 and expect a bigger jump this year as it the staff has made it clear to him he and Jefferson are the scorers.
Let's not also forget Milian missed 6 weeks last year with the wrist injury which would set any player back especially someone's best attribute is a shooter.