Could Kentucky basketball finally bring a National Player of the Year trophy back to Lexington? Sportsbooks think it might happen — and three Wildcats are already in the conversation.
Head coach Mark Pope has assembled one of the most exciting rosters in the country, and three of his stars — Otega Oweh, Jaland Lowe, and Jayden Quaintance — are now officially on FanDuel’s preseason odds list for the sport’s biggest individual award.
The Odds That Have Big Blue Nation Buzzing
Otega Oweh: +3000 (tied for 8th-best odds in all of college hoops)
Jaland Lowe: +10000
Jayden Quaintance: +10000
Oweh leads the pack, and many believe he’s being undervalued. The dynamic guard could average nearly 20 points per game while locking down opponents defensively. If Kentucky has a special year under Pope, Oweh could very well walk away with the award.
Quaintance’s Bad Break
Without his ACL setback, Jayden Quaintance might have been a dark horse candidate. The big man has the tools to average a double-double and dominate defensively, but missing a chunk of the non-conference slate all but kills his chances this season.
Lowe’s Slim Path
Jaland Lowe has impressed in summer practices and could become a floor general for Kentucky. But with Oweh likely carrying the scoring load, Lowe’s only realistic path would be leading the country in assists — a tall task in Pope’s offensive system.
Why All Eyes Are on Oweh
Of the three Wildcats, it’s clear: Oweh is the real threat to win National Player of the Year. If he delivers the season many expect, not only could Kentucky go on a deep March run — Oweh could etch his name among the greats in program history.
