The anticipation is building in Lexington, and Otega Oweh isn’t shy about what the Kentucky Wildcats plan to deliver this season.
When asked by former Wildcat DeAndre Liggins about the identity of this new-look Kentucky squad, Oweh’s response was clear and confident.
“We all got that chip on our shoulder,” Oweh said during Kentucky’s Back in Blue interview series. “We hear the talk — that we’re not supposed to be here or that this isn’t the same Kentucky. But we’re all hungry, and every time we hit the floor, we’re going to put on a show.”
It’s exactly the kind of fire that Big Blue Nation wants to hear.
Transferring in from Oklahoma, Oweh arrived with a reputation as a tough, defensive-minded guard. But he quickly proved he’s more than that. Last season, he averaged an impressive 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field. In a league filled with NBA-caliber talent, those are standout numbers.
If he continues trending upward, Oweh could be a legitimate contender for SEC Player of the Year. Already one of the best two-way wings in college basketball, he now has the platform — and the pressure — to lead a Kentucky team eager to return to national prominence.
The Wildcats are still recovering from a Sweet 16 run that was marred by key injuries. Under new head coach Mark Pope, this year’s team is embracing its underdog energy. And Oweh is setting the tone.
He won’t be doing it alone, though. Trent Noah, Brandon Garrison, and Collin Chandler bring a mix of experience and versatility, adding depth to a roster that looks poised for a breakout year. But when it’s crunch time — when Kentucky needs a big shot or a critical stop — the ball will likely be in Oweh’s hands. And that’s exactly how he wants it.
This Kentucky team isn’t looking to prove doubters wrong — they’re focused on proving themselves right.
And with Otega Oweh leading the charge, they just might be headed for something special.
