Otega Oweh enters this season with momentum and confidence after a breakout year that established him as one of Kentucky’s most reliable stars. The 6-foot-4 guard earned All-SEC honors in 2024-25, scoring in double figures in 33 of 36 games. He also set career highs across the board, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest. His consistency and impact made him indispensable for the Wildcats.
For head coach Mark Pope, Oweh’s return was nothing short of a blessing. The guaranteed production from a proven two-way guard brought stability and star power to a roster still developing under Pope’s leadership. Knowing he could count on Oweh to deliver night after night gave Kentucky a foundation to build around and elevated expectations for the program’s second season under Pope.
Pope’s gratitude for Oweh’s decision to return was evident, even spilling into lighthearted moments. “When it worked out that he was coming back, I couldn’t get ‘Oweh, Oweh, Oweh, Oweh’ out of my head, man,” Pope joked to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander. The coach also emphasized that Oweh hasn’t reached his full potential yet, pointing to an even higher ceiling. For both Oweh and Kentucky, that growth could be the difference between a good season and a greatone.
From June through early August, Kentucky’s offseason training block carried a different purpose than the usual preseason grind. Rather than heavy competition, the emphasis was on teaching, developing skills, and building basketball IQ. Yet, this group of Wildcats refused to take their foot off the gas, often forcing the coaching staff to pull them back instead of pushing them forward.
Head coach Mark Pope admitted he was taken aback by the intensity. Summer sessions are usually structured at a slower cadence to focus on fundamentals and long-term growth, but this roster demanded more. Their competitive edge made it nearly impossible to tone things down, creating an environment where learning and competing happened simultaneously.
At the center of that energy was No. 00, Otega Oweh. He entered the summer fresh off exploring the NBA Draft process and returning to Lexington after one of the most remarkable individual seasons in Kentucky basketball history. Instead of easing back in, Oweh attacked the offseason with a relentless drive, setting the tone for the rest of the team.
Pope couldn’t help but marvel at Oweh’s defensive evolution during workouts. The second-year coach recalled moments where he left the floor stunned, witnessing Oweh make plays that defied explanation. “I don’t even understand what I’m seeing on the court,” Pope admitted, crediting Oweh’s commitment and growth. That leap has only raised the ceiling for both Oweh and the Wildcats heading into the new season.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope believes Otega Oweh’s potential starts at the very top, with the National Defensive Player of the Year conversation. That’s the level Oweh displayed in practice, consistently elevating his defensive presence to new heights. According to Pope, the 6-4 guard has taken his game to another level, setting himself apart as a lockdown force.
Mark Pope sees Otega Oweh evolving into far more than just Kentucky’s defensive anchor. “He’s growing as a defensive player I think he has a chance to be the top defensive player in the country, the most versatile,” Pope said.
While Oweh’s ability to attack downhill and score has already been proven, Pope believes the guard’s next leap will come as a creator. Expanding his vision and decision-making could allow him to impact the game as more than just a finisher.
“He’s spending a ton of time growing in his decision-making and as a playmaker,” Pope explained. “I think he actually has a chance to become an elite-level playmaker and, of course, he spends that time.”
Otega Oweh had the option to remain in the draft and almost certainly would have been selected, but he chose a different path. By returning to Kentucky, he committed to sharpening his skills while chasing a national championship with the Wildcats.
For head coach Mark Pope, Oweh’s decision wasn’t just a win for the program, but a privilege on a personal level. “To get to witness him grow through this next step in his evolution is a gift,” Pope told KSR. He emphasized that Oweh is poised to elevate his game once again, helping Kentucky win while improving his future professional outlook.
“Being able to watch that up close and be a part of that? That’s the best part,” Pope added, underscoring both his gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead.
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