The Wildcats wing wants first-round assurance before committing to the NBA path.
Otega Oweh faces a pivotal decision: remain in the 2025 NBA Draft or return to Kentucky for another season under head coach Mark Pope.
The junior wing is currently participating in the NBA Draft Combine and attending private workouts. While Oweh has expressed confidence in his ability to be a first-round pick, signs suggest he is leaning toward a return to Lexington—unless he receives a guaranteed spot in the first round.
“It sounds like the momentum has him going back to Kentucky,” said 247 Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein at the Combine in Chicago, via Cats Pause’s Chris Fisher. “He said as much publicly. He’s not only playing here, but doing private workouts. He believes he’s a first-round pick, but he wants that confirmed before staying in the draft.”
If that assurance doesn’t materialize, Oweh is expected to come back for another season in blue and white.
After transferring from Oklahoma, Oweh had a breakout campaign in his first year at Kentucky. Under Pope’s system, his offensive output flourished, and he quickly became one of the team’s most dependable two-way players.
“I’m right there with you. I would expect him to be back at Kentucky,” added 247 Sports analyst Isaac Trotter. “He’s a classic example of that ‘Year 2 transfer jump’ we saw with Walter Clayton Jr. at Florida.”
Should he return, Oweh would step into a leadership role on a retooled Wildcats roster, with an opportunity to elevate his draft stock and secure a first-round selection in 2026.
