Ortega Oweh: A Phenomenal Talent in College Basketball, Earning the 2025 Bob Cousy Award and Midseason Wooden Award

In the world of college basketball, few individual accolades carry the prestige and respect of the Bob Cousy Award and the Wooden Award. To earn even one of these honors is a monumental achievement in a player’s career, as they recognize not just individual skill but also a level of consistency and dominance that places an athlete among the elite. Yet, for Ortega Oweh, the shooting guard for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, 2025 has been a season for the history books. By earning both the coveted Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award, Oweh has etched his name alongside some of the most accomplished players in the sport’s history.

The Journey to Recognition

Ortega Oweh’s rise to prominence in the college basketball world wasn’t always expected. Hailing from a smaller town where basketball often took a backseat to other sports, Oweh was a late-blooming prospect who eventually garnered attention from major programs due to his relentless work ethic and a game that blended incredible athleticism with a sharp basketball IQ. His development as a player was nothing short of meteoric, a journey that began with humble beginnings but soon saw him evolve into one of the most feared shooting guards in the country.

Coming into the University of Kentucky as a highly-touted freshman, Oweh faced enormous expectations from the moment he put on the Wildcats’ uniform. Kentucky, a program that has produced countless NBA talents over the years, is known for its elite-level basketball and high standards. The Wildcats’ passionate fanbase and storied history left little room for error, but Oweh’s ability to stay composed under pressure and develop his game quickly stood out.

What set Oweh apart early on was his unique combination of size, speed, and shooting accuracy. Standing at 6’5″ with a wingspan that allowed him to cover a lot of ground on both offense and defense, Oweh’s ability to score from all areas of the court made him an immediate weapon. Whether he was draining three-pointers, attacking the rim with power, or creating space for teammates, Oweh displayed a versatility that left even seasoned coaches in awe.

The 2025 Bob Cousy Award

The Bob Cousy Award is given annually to the nation’s top point guard in college basketball, and while it may seem like a strange choice to associate it with a shooting guard, Oweh’s playmaking ability blurred the lines between positions. His ball-handling, vision, and court awareness were at a level that made him almost positionless. Oweh wasn’t just a scorer — he was a dynamic leader on the floor who orchestrated the Wildcats’ offense with precision.

When Oweh won the 2025 Bob Cousy Award, it was a testament to how his all-around game had flourished over the course of the season. While he wasn’t the traditional point guard, his ability to run the offense and facilitate for his teammates was unparalleled. He averaged 6.8 assists per game that season, a remarkable figure for someone who was also putting up an impressive 22.4 points per game. Oweh had a remarkable ability to read defenses, breaking down schemes with his quickness and court vision, setting up easy opportunities for his teammates.

Oweh’s ability to make plays in critical moments also set him apart from the competition. In close games, when the pressure was at its peak, he often took over with clutch shots or timely passes. Whether it was a game-winning assist or an open three-pointer in the closing seconds, Oweh seemed to rise to the occasion when his team needed him the most. His poise in these situations made him a true floor general, and ultimately, it was his leadership and decision-making that earned him the prestigious Bob Cousy Award.

The Midseason Wooden Award

The Midseason Wooden Award, given to the best player in college basketball at the halfway point of the season, was another prize that Oweh added to his trophy case in 2025. The award is known for recognizing a player who not only excels statistically but also embodies the qualities of the ideal college basketball player: hard work, leadership, and dedication to the team.

In Oweh’s case, his selection as the Midseason Wooden Award winner was a direct result of his dominance on both ends of the floor. Through the first half of the season, he had been a one-man wrecking crew, averaging 22.4 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. His shooting percentages were off the charts, with a field goal percentage of 48% and a three-point percentage that hovered around 39%, making him a consistent threat from beyond the arc.

What separated Oweh from other top candidates for the Wooden Award was his consistency and ability to elevate his play when it mattered the most. In games against ranked opponents, Oweh seemed to turn up his intensity, putting together some of the most dominant performances of his career. In one memorable game against a top-five ranked team, he scored 35 points while also adding 8 assists and 4 steals, showcasing his all-around brilliance. The performance helped propel Kentucky to a dominant victory and cemented his status as the frontrunner for the award.

Oweh’s success wasn’t just about individual accolades, however. He played with an infectious energy that inspired his teammates to elevate their games as well. He became the clear leader of a Wildcats team that had its sights set on a national championship, and his ability to keep the team focused on the bigger goal was a major factor in their success.

The Impact on the Kentucky Wildcats

Oweh’s remarkable season and the recognition he earned through these two prestigious awards didn’t just elevate his own career — it significantly raised the profile of the Kentucky Wildcats as a team. Kentucky, a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, had already been one of the top programs in the nation, but Oweh’s play transformed them into an even more dangerous force. His ability to score in a variety of ways, combined with his leadership, made Kentucky one of the top contenders for the national title.

The Wildcats’ offensive game revolved around Oweh’s versatility. His scoring was essential, but so was his ability to involve others. He frequently made his teammates better by breaking down defenses and creating open looks. Players like forward Jared Davis and center Elijah Thomas flourished with Oweh orchestrating the offense, while Oweh’s own development as a scorer gave Kentucky an elite offensive weapon.

Defensively, Oweh was just as impactful. While he wasn’t known for being a lockdown defender, his athleticism and length allowed him to disrupt passing lanes and make crucial steals. His ability to guard multiple positions made him a valuable asset on the defensive end, allowing Kentucky to switch seamlessly on screens and challenge shots without losing a step.

Legacy and Future Outlook

With both the Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award in his trophy case, Ortega Oweh has firmly established himself as one of the premier players in college basketball. His blend of scoring, playmaking, and leadership has made him a fixture of highlight reels across the nation. Whether it’s his clutch shooting, dazzling assists, or gritty defense, Oweh has proven time and time again that he has the tools to excel at the highest level of college basketball.

Looking ahead, Oweh’s future is bright, with NBA scouts already keeping a close eye on his development. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him an intriguing prospect for professional basketball. However, for now, Oweh remains focused on helping Kentucky achieve its ultimate goal: a national championship. If his play continues at this level, there’s no doubt that he will leave a lasting legacy at the University of Kentucky and in college basketball history.

In 2025, Ortega Oweh accomplished something truly special by earning both the Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award. His extraordinary skill set, leadership qualities, and impact on the court have made him a standout player in a season full of talent, and as his journey continues, he will undoubtedly add more chapters to his remarkable story.