The Kentucky Wildcats are gearing up for summer workouts, and while fans are excited about the team’s fresh faces, one returning star has stolen the spotlight: senior guard Otega Oweh.
His announcement to return to Lexington lit up Big Blue Nation—but it turns out no one was more hyped than head coach Mark Pope, who got the news in the most unexpected way.
During Kentucky’s summer camp, Oweh surprised everyone by asking Pope to share how he found out about the return. What followed was a story fans won’t forget.
> “I was on a plane, and I don’t understand why or how, but the call actually came through,” Pope said. “Otega called me and said, ‘Coach, let’s do this. I’m coming back.’
I was looking around. I think the pilot was about to throw me out of the plane.”
The moment captured Pope’s shock and excitement—and set the tone for a thrilling season ahead.
With Oweh returning, Kentucky gains a veteran leader who knows the system and brings elite two-way play. He’s expected to be in the conversation for preseason All-American honors and will be a cornerstone of year two under Pope.
If that phone call is any indication, it’s going to be a wild and exciting ride in Lexington this year.
