Otega Oweh is officially beginning the next chapter of his basketball career, and Big Blue Nation has every reason to be excited.
After hearing his name called with the No. 41 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the former Kentucky standout has now been named to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA Summer League roster. That means fans will get their first look at Oweh in an NBA uniform as he begins his professional journey.
For Kentucky supporters, this isn’t just another Summer League appearance. It’s the continuation of a remarkable story that started in Lexington.
During his two seasons under Mark Pope, Oweh established himself as one of the program’s most reliable stars. He helped lead Kentucky through a new era following the coaching transition from John Calipari, bringing leadership, consistency, and a fearless mentality every time he stepped onto the court.
His legendary buzzer-beater in the 2026 NCAA Tournament remains one of the defining moments of Pope’s early tenure and cemented Oweh’s place in Kentucky basketball history. Time after time, he delivered when the Wildcats needed him most.
Over his Kentucky career, Oweh averaged more than 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists per game while becoming one of the SEC’s premier two-way guards. His ability to score, defend elite opponents, and rise to the occasion in clutch moments made him a fan favorite across Big Blue Nation.
Wildcats fans will never forget his lockdown defense against Cooper Flagg during Kentucky’s signature win over Duke or the emotional victories over his former school, Oklahoma. Those performances helped define one of the most memorable careers of the Mark Pope era.
Now, Oweh gets the opportunity to prove himself on an even bigger stage.
Another former Wildcat, Jayden Quaintance, was also named to an NBA Summer League roster with the San Antonio Spurs, although he is expected to sit out while recovering from knee surgery.
As Oweh prepares to make his Summer League debut with Oklahoma City, Kentucky fans will be watching closely. While he may no longer wear the blue and white, he’ll continue carrying the support of Big Blue Nation wherever his NBA journey takes him.
His days at Kentucky may be over, but his legacy in Lexington is secure—and his professional career is only just beginning.
