As the 2025-26 season approaches, Kentucky basketball is gearing up for a potentially electric year under head coach Mark Pope. The Wildcats are stacked with talent, but one major question remains: will Otega Oweh return or stay in the NBA Draft?
Oweh led the Wildcats last season with 16.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. His presence on both ends of the floor was pivotal. If he returns, Kentucky could be a Final Four contender. If not, the team will need to lean on its depth and youth.
Here are six projected lineups for the upcoming season—three if Oweh returns, and three if he doesn’t.
If Otega Oweh Returns: Lineups Built to Dominate
1. The All-Around Firestorm
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Otega Oweh
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
C: Jayden Quaintance
How It Works:
This lineup is all about speed, defense, and versatility. Lowe, a crafty distributor from Pitt, orchestrates the offense while Oweh and Williams slash and defend. Dioubate adds toughness on the glass, and Quaintance is a dynamic rim protector and finisher.
Strengths:
Lockdown perimeter and rim defense
High-speed transition opportunities
Switchable, athletic defenders
Weaknesses:
Perimeter shooting could be shaky outside Oweh
Inexperience may show, especially from Quaintance and Williams
Vibe:
High energy, high pressure—a nightmare matchup when they’re clicking.
2. The Veteran Vibe
PG: Denzel Aberdeen
SG: Otega Oweh
SF: Jasper Johnson
PF: Trent Noah
C: Brandon Garrison
How It Works:
This group emphasizes experience and spacing. Aberdeen stabilizes the offense, Oweh brings two-way impact, and Noah provides shooting from the forward spot. Garrison is a reliable interior presence, while Johnson adds offensive flair.
Strengths:
Multiple scoring threats from deep
Strong leadership and continuity
Floor spacing to support Oweh’s drives
Weaknesses:
Defensive questions inside
Limited isolation scoring outside Oweh and Johnson
Vibe:
Smooth, savvy, and well-rounded—but built more for consistency than chaos.
3. The Big Blue Blitz
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Jasper Johnson
SF: Otega Oweh
PF: Malachi Moreno
C: Jayden Quaintance
How It Works:
This oversized lineup dominates the paint and dares teams to match their size. Lowe sets the table while Johnson and Oweh provide offensive balance. The twin towers of Moreno and Quaintance control the glass and rim.
Strengths:
Elite rebounding and shot blocking
Balanced inside-out scoring potential
Huge wingspan across all positions
Weaknesses:
Floor spacing could get cramped
Vulnerable to quick, perimeter-oriented teams
Vibe:
Physical and overpowering—but must stay disciplined on defense.
If Oweh Stays in the Draft: Lineups That Adapt and Evolve
1. The Freshman Frenzy
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Jasper Johnson
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
C: Jayden Quaintance
How It Works:
Without Oweh, the scoring load shifts to Johnson and Williams. Lowe remains the engine, while Dioubate and Quaintance bring toughness and size.
Strengths:
Raw athleticism and defensive potential
Quick tempo plays to Pope’s style
High ceiling for growth
Weaknesses:
Inexperienced scorers in key roles
Could struggle in late-game situations
Vibe:
High-octane and fearless—dangerous when confident, but still learning.
2. The Sharpshooter’s Delight
PG: Denzel Aberdeen
SG: Collin Chandler
SF: Jasper Johnson
PF: Trent Noah
C: Brandon Garrison
How It Works:
This group spreads the floor with shooting threats at multiple positions. Chandler adds scoring punch, while Noah and Johnson stretch the defense. Garrison and Aberdeen provide balance on both ends.
Strengths:
Strong perimeter shooting
Balanced offense with multiple playmakers
Smart, veteran guard play
Weaknesses:
May struggle physically in the paint
Defensive mismatches possible at the forward spots
Vibe:
Kentucky’s “small-ball” solution—fluid and high-scoring, but must stay disciplined.
3. The Twin Towers
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Denzel Aberdeen
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Malachi Moreno
C: Andrija Jelavić
How It Works:
Moreno and Jelavić form a massive frontcourt. Jelavić brings a European-style finesse game, while Williams fills the wing void. Lowe and Aberdeen stabilize the backcourt.
Strengths:
Elite size and rim protection
Scoring depth across all five positions
Disruptive interior defense
Weaknesses:
Could be slow in transition
Lacks a true go-to scorer
Vibe:
A fortress in the half court—intimidating and methodical, but susceptible to speed.
Final Takeaway:
Whether or not Otega Oweh returns, Kentucky has the pieces to make a serious postseason push. If he’s back, the Wildcats gain a proven scorer and defensive leader to anchor versatile lineups. If he stays in the draft, Mark Pope must rely on his freshmen and transfers to develop chemistry and step up.
With tempo, size, and shooting scattered across the roster, the Wildcats are built to compete in a brutal SEC. If everything clicks, expect Rupp Arena to still be rocking well into April.
Big Blue Nation, get ready—either way, this season could be something special.
