The Kentucky Wildcats are reloading — not rebuilding — and Otega Oweh says the returning crew is about to level up in a major way.
With five Wildcats eligible to return from Mark Pope’s first season at the helm, four are officially back in Lexington. Brandon Garrison led the way, quickly followed by Collin Chandler and Trent Noah. Travis Perry was the lone surprise exit, choosing to transfer to Ole Miss. But the biggest announcement came when Oweh himself pulled out of the NBA Draft to run it back for one more season in blue and white.
Behind the scenes, the group stayed connected all offseason — even after jokingly removing Perry from the group chat.
“Me and BG (Brandon Garrison) was talking every single day,” Oweh said. “Trent, I kind of knew his situation. Travis, not so much. But you’ve got to do what’s right for you. That’s the same thing we did coming to Kentucky. You’ve got to find your fit.”
Oweh wasn’t just catching up with teammates. He was also keeping tabs on Coach Pope’s offseason moves — every commitment, every visit, every new Wildcat on the radar.
“Every commit, every visit, I knew what it was,” Oweh joked. “And yeah, the guys were recruiting me, checking in, hoping I’d come back.”
They got their wish. And now Oweh expects big things — especially in year two, which Pope has long said is when his players take their biggest leaps.
Gearing Up for a Big Year
With familiarity in Pope’s system and strong chemistry among returners, the Wildcats are primed for serious growth.
“You’ve got a couple guys that already have that close-knit bond, and they know what it takes to be successful here,” Oweh said. “A lot of guys may not be ready for what comes with Kentucky basketball, but with experienced teammates, you can ease that early on.”
Oweh believes the leap will be most noticeable in teammates like Brandon Garrison and Collin Chandler.
“I’m really excited, especially for BG,” he said. “He’s put on muscle, and his mentality’s grown. Collin’s year-two jump is gonna be big. He didn’t get a full summer last time. Now he’s got one, and he knows what it takes.”
Oweh’s Mission: Level Up
After leading the Wildcats in scoring last season and earning All-SEC honors, Oweh says he’s ready to raise the bar.
“I’ve been working a lot individually and in Pope’s system,” he said. “The confidence he gives you — it’s all about how comfortable you are. You put in the work, and it shows. I know what I have to do now. I just have to go out there and do it.”
Four Wildcats are back. Their bond is tighter. Their experience is deeper. And according to Oweh, their hunger is unmatched.
