He missed 10 weeks and came back like nothing ever happened. On his very first possession, Otega Oweh erased every doubt about his health — and reminded Kentucky fans why he’s the most feared guard in the SEC.
On Monday, Kentucky guard Otega Oweh was officially named Preseason SEC Player of the Year, a title that reflects just how much respect he’s earned around the league.
But one of the biggest storylines behind the scenes this offseason? A nagging turf toe injury that kept the Wildcats’ leading scorer out for nearly ten weeks — all the way from the summer into the start of fall practice.
The wait for his return was worth it.
During his very first live scrimmage back, Oweh made sure everyone in the gym knew he was healthy. On the opening possession, he stole the ball, sprinted the floor, and soared from just outside the free-throw line for a dunk that instantly silenced any concern.
> “If you’re going to have a guy miss the first couple weeks of practice, he’s the guy to do it,” head coach Mark Pope said at SEC Media Day. “We were all walking on eggshells, and then he gets a steal, takes off, and dunks it. As a coach, you just shake your head and say, ‘We love these young people.’”
Now back to full speed, Oweh says the focus is simple — compete, lead, and win.
> “No restrictions, so that’s a blessing,” Oweh said. “I’m grateful it was just this type of injury and nothing worse. I’m in every drill, every rep. It just feels great to be back competing with the guys again.”
Oweh is now the seventh Kentucky player to be named Preseason SEC Player of the Year since 1997 — more than any other school in the conference. But personal accolades aren’t what drive him.
> “It’s a blessing, for sure,” he said. “But it’s preseason — and we’ve got a long way to go. We’re focused on winning. If we win, everybody gets what they want.”
For Pope, Oweh’s return represents more than just a healthy star — it’s a reminder of Kentucky’s standard.
> “Otega’s a guy you just can’t turn off,” Pope said. “He understands the pressure, the culture, and he embraces it all. I don’t worry about him — I just want him to stay healthy.”
After months of rehab and patience, Oweh looks like a man on a mission — and if his first play back is any indication, the rest of the SEC should probably take notice.
