Mark Pope knew he had something special returning to Lexington this season. That “something” is Otega Oweh—a relentless, 6’4 senior guard who led Kentucky in scoring last year with 16.2 points per game. His breakout performance earned him All-SEC Second Team honors, but Oweh’s ceiling is much higher heading into 2025–26.
Here’s the surprising part: despite being one of the most complete players in the country, Oweh’s name isn’t showing up enough in the early National Player of the Year conversation. And that’s a mistake.
More Than a Scorer
Oweh isn’t just a bucket-getter. He’s also one of the best perimeter defenders in the SEC. Last season, he posted a career-high 1.6 steals per game while often guarding the opponent’s top scorer. Reports out of summer practices suggest he’s elevated that side of his game even further, making him the kind of two-way star who can swing a season.
The One Flaw Holding Him Back
Critics have often pointed to Oweh’s three-point shot as his biggest flaw. But here’s the catch: he still hit 35.5% from deep last year, mostly on open looks. The NBA feedback he received focused on the hitch in his shooting motion, and Oweh has spent the offseason working to smooth it out. If he takes even a modest leap as a perimeter shooter, his scoring average could easily push past the 20-point mark.
Elite at Attacking the Rim
What sets Oweh apart, though, is his driving ability. Few players in college basketball are better at putting the ball on the floor and finishing through contact. His explosiveness at the rim forces defenses to collapse, creating space for Kentucky’s shooters and opening up Pope’s offense in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.
The Case for National Recognition
With his scoring, defense, and growing versatility, Oweh is on track to be one of the most impactful players in the country. Projecting him at 18+ points per game while locking down opponents on the other end, it’s hard to justify why he’s not being discussed among the favorites for National Player of the Year.
The truth is simple: Otega Oweh is one of college basketball’s most underrated stars. As he enters his senior season in Lexington, he has a chance not just to be Kentucky’s leader, but to make his case as the best player in America.
And if he fixes that one flaw? Nobody is stopping him.
