Otega Oweh Reverses NBA Draft Decision, Commits to Another Season with Kentucky Wildcats

Lexington, KY – April 16, 2025
In a move that has electrified Big Blue Nation and sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh has officially announced he is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft and will return to Lexington for another season. The decision, which Oweh called “a matter of unfinished business,” represents not only a personal pivot but a potentially game-changing moment for a Kentucky program aiming to re-establish itself among the elite.

“I love this place,” Oweh said in a video posted to his social media platforms. “The fans, the coaches, the environment—everything about being a Wildcat has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I’m coming back because I believe we have what it takes to bring a national title back to Kentucky.”

The announcement comes just days before the NBA’s early entrant withdrawal deadline and has already begun to shift the national conversation surrounding next year’s college basketball season. With Oweh back in the fold, Kentucky instantly becomes a contender—not just in the SEC, but on the national stage.

A Breakout Season That Put Him on the Radar

Oweh, a 6-foot-5 junior guard originally from Newark, New Jersey, transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma before the 2024-25 season. While he showed flashes of promise in Norman, it was in Lexington that he truly exploded onto the national scene.

Averaging 17.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, Oweh became the Wildcats’ most consistent two-way player, showing a rare blend of athleticism, physicality, and leadership. His performances in conference play—including a 28-point outburst in a road win at Tennessee and a game-sealing steal and dunk against Alabama—cemented him as one of the SEC’s premier guards.

Oweh was named First Team All-SEC and was widely projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick in several mock drafts. Scouts raved about his defensive instincts, explosiveness, and rapidly developing offensive game. Still, questions about his outside shooting consistency and playmaking led to mixed evaluations at the NBA Combine.

It was during his pre-draft workouts and interviews that Oweh began to reassess his path.

“I got great feedback from teams, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go through that process,” he said. “But at the end of the day, my heart kept pulling me back to Lexington. There’s more I want to accomplish. I’m not done here.”

A Massive Win for Mark Pope and the New-Look Wildcats

For head coach Mark Pope, Oweh’s return is a foundational building block for Year 2 of his Kentucky tenure. Pope, who replaced John Calipari in the spring of 2024, made waves last season by assembling a mix of transfers and young talent. The team exceeded expectations, finishing with a 24-9 record and advancing to the Sweet 16—its best postseason finish since 2019.

Oweh was the engine of that run, and his return brings veteran experience, locker room leadership, and a proven commodity on both ends of the floor.

“Having Otega back is absolutely huge,” Pope said in a statement. “He embodies everything we want this program to be about—toughness, commitment, energy, and excellence. He took a major leap last season, and I truly believe he’s just scratching the surface.”

With several key returners and top incoming recruits, Kentucky now boasts a roster that blends experience and upside in ways rarely seen since the 2012 national title team.

Returning alongside Oweh are sophomore forward Aaron Bradshaw, junior guard DJ Wagner, and stretch big Amari Williams, while incoming five-star recruits Jaylen Harrell and Kris Parker add instant impact potential. Kentucky also recently secured commitments from two high-level transfers: former Dayton sharpshooter DaRon Holmes and Georgia point guard Silas Demps, giving Pope the flexibility to deploy Oweh both on and off the ball.

Legacy Over Lottery

Oweh’s decision highlights a growing trend in college basketball: talented players opting to stay in school rather than declare early for the draft. With NIL opportunities now offering financial incentives that rival some second-round NBA contracts, players like Oweh no longer have to choose between legacy and livelihood.

According to sources close to the Kentucky program, Oweh has multiple NIL deals lined up for the 2025-26 season, including partnerships with Nike, Fanatics, and several Kentucky-based companies. Though the exact value of these deals has not been disclosed, industry experts estimate his NIL portfolio could be worth well over seven figures.

Still, those close to Oweh insist that money was not the primary driver.

“Otega’s not wired that way,” said one UK assistant coach. “He’s chasing greatness. He wants to win, he wants to lead, and he wants to go down as one of the all-time greats to wear the Kentucky blue.”

Oweh echoed that sentiment in his announcement.

“I could’ve gone pro, sure. But I came here to win banners. To leave a legacy. And I truly believe that the best way to prepare for the next level is to go out and win it all with these guys.”

What It Means for Kentucky’s 2025-26 Title Hopes

With Oweh back in the fold, Kentucky enters the 2025-26 season with a top-5 preseason ranking all but locked in. The Wildcats will have multiple returning starters, a deep and talented bench, and the sort of go-to scorer and perimeter stopper that every title team needs.

“Otega is the kind of guy who changes everything,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “He can guard the other team’s best player, initiate offense, create in transition, and finish through contact. That’s a luxury not many teams have.”

Kentucky fans, long accustomed to one-and-done talent, are now embracing a new model under Pope—a hybrid roster where experienced players like Oweh anchor the foundation while young stars grow around them.

With the SEC once again shaping up as one of the toughest leagues in the country—boasting loaded squads at Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee—Oweh’s return gives Kentucky the veteran star power needed to navigate that gauntlet and emerge as a Final Four threat.

And Oweh, for his part, is embracing the pressure.

“If you come to Kentucky, you’re expected to win. That’s why I came here,” he said. “And now I want to finish what we started.”

A Deeper Look at the Oweh Effect

Beyond the stats, Oweh’s influence at Kentucky is about identity. Teammates routinely praised his work ethic and vocal leadership last season. During the team’s mid-season slump, it was Oweh who reportedly called a players-only meeting that helped spark their second-half surge.

“He doesn’t care about numbers,” said teammate Aaron Bradshaw. “He just wants to win. You feel that every time he steps on the court.”

That mindset has made him a fan favorite in Lexington. Crowds at Rupp Arena regularly chanted his name during home games, and #RunItBackOtega trended nationally for days after the season ended.

Even legendary former Wildcats have taken notice.

“He plays the game the right way,” said Tayshaun Prince. “You can tell he loves the program and the fans. That’s a rare mix. He’s got a shot to be special.”

The Road Ahead

Oweh’s return won’t come without challenges. Kentucky’s schedule for 2025-26 is one of the most difficult in the country, with marquee non-conference matchups against Duke, Gonzaga, and Michigan State on the docket. The SEC will again be a battlefield, and expectations will be sky-high.

But for Oweh, it’s exactly the kind of moment he’s been preparing for.

“I didn’t come to college just to get to the NBA,” he said. “I came here to compete. To grow. To leave my mark. This place means something to me. And now we get one more shot to make it unforgettable.”

As for what success looks like?

“Cutting down nets,” he said with a grin. “That’s the goal.”

Final Thoughts

Otega Oweh’s decision to return to Kentucky isn’t just a boost for the Wildcats—it’s a signal to college basketball at large. In an era defined by constant movement, instant gratification, and early exits, Oweh chose loyalty, growth, and team legacy.

For Kentucky, it means another year with their heart-and-soul leader. For Mark Pope, it’s a chance to build something truly special in Lexington. And for Oweh, it’s a season that could redefine his legacy—not just as a player, but as a program icon.

Whether it ends in a title or not, one thing is clear: Big Blue Nation has its leader. And he’s not done yet.