Otega Oweh Returning to Kentucky: “We Have the Talent to Be No. 1”
Wildcats guard eyes national title after withdrawing from NBA Draft
Otega Oweh is coming back to Lexington.
After exploring his NBA Draft options, the Kentucky Wildcats guard has announced his decision to return for another season, determined to improve his professional stock and chase a national championship with the Cats.
“I got great feedback from NBA teams, but the consensus was to come back to school and have a great year,” Oweh told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeff Borzello. “I want to try and up my stock even more and put myself in a position to win a national championship with all the possible accolades that come with that.”
The decision came just ahead of the draft withdrawal deadline — 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday. In the end, the chance to help Kentucky capture banner No. 9 proved too enticing for the 6-foot-5 guard.
A New Jersey native, Oweh transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma and quickly emerged as a key contributor. His breakout season saw him average 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, earning him second-team All-SEC honors and significant attention from NBA scouts.
But for Oweh, the return isn’t just about personal development.
“We have the talent to be the No. 1 team in the country,” he said. “A lot of guys who are hungry to make that jump, and that intensity to go get national championship No. 9 for Kentucky. I’m excited to play with everyone. It will be a fun year.”
With Oweh back and new head coach Mark Pope building a formidable roster, Kentucky looks poised for a deep postseason run — and possibly more.
