BOOM! Mark Pope Celebrates as Otega Oweh Returns to Kentucky for Another Season
The Big Blue Nation got a major jolt of excitement as head coach Mark Pope triumphantly announced the return of star guard Otega Oweh for another season in Lexington. The 6-foot-5 standout, who had an impressive junior year in 2024-25 and earned All-SEC honors, has officially decided to come back to Kentucky rather than stay in the 2025 NBA Draft pool. It’s a move that not only electrifies the fanbase but also sends a clear message—Kentucky basketball isn’t going anywhere.
Oweh’s decision comes after a productive showing at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. While he impressed scouts during scrimmages with his athleticism, energy, and two-way potential, it wasn’t enough to guarantee him a spot among the coveted 59 selections in the upcoming draft. Most notably, he lacked a first-round promise, which many underclassmen rely on before forgoing their remaining college eligibility.
But times have changed in college basketball. With the emergence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, top players like Oweh can make significant income by staying in school. For Oweh, that reality made returning to Lexington a no-brainer. He’ll not only be a centerpiece for the Wildcats next season, but he’ll also likely become one of the most prominent NIL earners in college hoops.
From Kentucky’s perspective, this is a massive win. Mark Pope, who is entering his first season as head coach of the Wildcats, is putting together an exciting and dynamic roster—and retaining Oweh gives the team a battle-tested star to build around. Pope made his feelings known immediately, expressing joy and relief that a player of Oweh’s caliber is buying into the new vision for Kentucky basketball.
For Oweh, the return is strategic. By coming back, he’s positioning himself for a leap in 2025-26. If he can address some of the key areas scouts flagged—such as refining his perimeter shooting, improving consistency in decision-making, and showing he can lead a team at the highest level—Oweh has a legitimate shot to elevate himself into first-round territory in the 2026 NBA Draft.
He’s already proven he belongs in the conversation. In his junior season, Oweh averaged double-digit scoring, played lockdown defense, and delivered in big games against top-tier SEC competition. His ability to guard multiple positions, score in transition, and bring intensity on both ends makes him one of the most well-rounded players returning to college basketball next season.
Still, he knows there’s work to do. The feedback from NBA teams provided him with a roadmap for improvement, and Kentucky offers the perfect platform to showcase that growth. With the national spotlight constantly on Lexington and a rabid fan base backing him, Oweh will have every opportunity to shine.
What makes his return even more impactful is the timing. With Pope looking to quickly reestablish Kentucky among the nation’s elite programs, Oweh’s leadership and experience will be invaluable in setting the tone. He’ll likely serve as the team’s emotional anchor and one of the most recognizable faces in the SEC.
Financially, the NIL landscape has given players like Oweh the ability to make long-term decisions without the pressure of jumping to the pros too early. Reports indicate he’ll have a multi-million dollar opportunity through endorsements and partnerships, giving him the stability to focus on his game while setting himself up for an even bigger payday in the future.
The move is a win-win: Kentucky gets a proven star and locker room leader, while Oweh gets another year to elevate his draft profile. If he takes the next step, he could be among the first 30 names called in the 2026 NBA Draft—and possibly climb even higher depending on how he performs next season.
For now, Kentucky fans can breathe a sigh of relief and look ahead with excitement. Oweh is back. And with Mark Pope leading the charge, the Wildcats are gearing up for a thrilling season with one of the SEC’s top talents in the fold.
