In a year of uncertainty around the NBA Draft, Otega Oweh made a bold call — and it’s already paying dividends in Lexington.
The Kentucky guard, a rising star who many believed had first-round potential, tested the draft waters this spring. But without a guaranteed spot and with NIL opportunities calling, Oweh made a calculated decision: return to college, run it back, and aim even higher.
And he’s not doing it alone.
In a recent media session, Oweh didn’t just talk about his personal goals — he praised the new culture taking shape inside the Kentucky locker room. The credit? All goes to head coach Mark Pope.
“We started clicking really quickly,” Oweh said. “When it’s a new team, you’ve got to click fast. We haven’t even officially started workouts yet, but guys are in the gym every single day, multiple times a day. That’s always a good sign.”
For Oweh, who led the Wildcats in scoring last season (16.2 PPG, 49.2% FG, 35.5% 3PT), this season isn’t just about improving his draft stock — it’s about finishing what he started.
“I just felt like we had unfinished business,” Oweh admitted. “If I go back and we win the whole thing, everyone wins.”
Oweh emphasized that Coach Pope’s influence has already made a huge impact on team chemistry. “Coach Pope does a good job of recruiting good guys,” he said. “It’s easy to be around people who want to win, who are committed.”
In an evolving college basketball landscape where NIL has changed the decision-making process for athletes, Oweh’s return to Kentucky signals more than just a personal comeback. It’s a vote of confidence in Pope’s vision — and a clear signal that the Wildcats are all-in on chasing a national title in 2025–26.
As for the NBA, Oweh knows the league will still be there next year. For now, his focus is on banners, not boards.
