Otega Oweh Returns: Pope Details Kentucky Basketball News
Otega Oweh is returning to Kentucky for his senior season, a major development for Coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats, who withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft! Oweh’s decision, confirmed just before the deadline, solidifies Kentucky’s potential as a top team in the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-4 guard, who led the team with 16.2 points per game last season,provides a significant boost. His performances earned him second-team All-SEC honors after transferring from Oklahoma, making him a hot prospect in the NBA, alongside his prowess in the NBA Draft. With Oweh back, the Wildcats, currently ranked No. 12 by CBS Sports, are poised to make a strong showing in college basketball. For more on this story and other key sports news, check out News directory 3. discover what’s next for Kentucky’s journey.
Otega Oweh Returns to Kentucky, Forgoing NBA Draft
Updated June 10, 2025
Guard Otega Oweh’s decision to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to the University of Kentucky provides a important boost for coach Mark Pope. Oweh, who made the decision just before the NCAA’s deadline, is set to play his senior season with the Wildcats.
Pope recounted the tense moments leading up to Oweh’s decision. He said Oweh called him from a plane to say, ”Coach, let’s do this. I’m coming back.”
Oweh’s return solidifies Kentucky’s potential for the 2025-26 season. Had he remained in the NBA Draft, Oweh was projected to be selected. Last season, the 6-foot-4 guard led the team with 16.2 points per game, also contributing 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He shot nearly 50% from the field and 35.5% from 3-point range.As a first-year coach, Pope saw Oweh become the Wildcats’ best player as they advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.
Oweh’s performance earned him second-team All-SEC honors, a significant leap from his role as a promising player after transferring from Oklahoma.
Pope joked about Oweh’s initial enthusiasm for returning, saying, “He was super hyped all the way until he heard about the conditioning test on the first day of summer workouts. Then he was like, ‘Woah, coach.Maybe I need to go back to this [NBA].'”
With Oweh back in the lineup, Kentucky could be a potential preseason top-10 team for the 2025-26 campaign. CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish ranks the Wildcats at No. 12 in his latest Top 25 and 1.
What’s next
The Kentucky Wildcats, bolstered by Otega Oweh’s return, will focus on preparing for the 2025-26 season, aiming for a strong performance in college basketball and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The team hopes to leverage Oweh’s NBA Draft experience and leadership.