Mark Pope Says Otega Oweh Is Different—And That Should Terrify the Rest of College Basketball

Different in his mindset. Different in his drive. Different in the way he’s preparing to take Kentucky from just another tournament team to a Final Four powerhouse.

And make no mistake: if Oweh truly is as locked in as his coach believes, then the rest of college basketball should be on notice.

From Breakout Star to National Spotlight

Last season, Oweh put together the kind of performance that Kentucky fans dream of. He wasn’t just another piece of the puzzle—he was the leading scorer for a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a two-way force who powered the Wildcats into March Madness with swagger and consistency.

The accolades followed: All-SEC recognition, highlight-reel plays that blew up on social media, and a reputation as one of the toughest guards in the country to stop one-on-one.

But here’s the thing: Oweh isn’t satisfied.

While many players would’ve treated last season as the peak, Oweh is treating it as the launching pad. This final year is about more than just good numbers—it’s about building a legacy that could rival Kentucky greats before him.

The Next Step in His Evolution

For Oweh, scoring has never been the problem. He knows how to get buckets—off the dribble, through contact, in transition, or pulling up with confidence.

Where Mark Pope sees the leap coming is everywhere else.

“People already know Otega can score,” Pope recently said. “But what makes him different now is his growth as a defender, as a playmaker, and as a leader. He’s becoming the complete package.”

That’s the scary part for opponents. If Oweh starts shutting down opposing stars on one end while still filling up the scoreboard on the other, his ceiling skyrockets from All-SEC standout to National Player of the Year contender.