SEC Preseason Player of the Year Otega Oweh has officially returned to practice and is already back to his high-flying form. After missing time with injury, the dynamic guard is once again showcasing his athleticism and energy — including his trademark dunks — as the season approaches.

After spending more than two months sidelined with turf toe, Otega Oweh made his long-awaited return to Kentucky men’s basketball practice on Monday. Speaking with reporters at SEC Media Days in Birmingham, the junior guard confirmed that he’s fully cleared and participating alongside his teammates without any limitations.

Oweh expressed relief and gratitude for being able to rejoin the team. “I’m feeling good, no restrictions,” he said. “That’s a blessing. I’m just grateful that it was only this type of injury and nothing worse. I’m back in the flow of things  in every drill and every competition rep  so I’m happy.”

The Wildcats’ medical staff took a cautious approach throughout Oweh’s recovery, prioritizing long-term health over a quick return. Their patience seems to have paid off, as the SEC Preseason Player of the Year looked sharp and confident in his first full practice back.

True to form, Oweh wasted no time testing his foot’s strength. On his very first day back, he delivered several highlight-reel dunks, signaling that his explosiveness and athleticism have returned. While head coach Mark Pope admitted feeling a bit anxious watching those leaps, the smooth performance was a welcome sight for a Kentucky team that has high hopes entering the new season.

“He got a steal and raced down the floor and took off from outside the free-throw line and dunked it,” Pope said of Oweh. “And as a coach, you just shake your head and be like ‘Young people. We love these young people.’ Otega’s a guy where you just cannot turn off his competitive motor.”

“Just had to test it to see if I still had my legs after a couple months,” Oweh said. “It’s still there.”

Oweh acknowledged that he felt a little sore the morning after his first full practice, but overall, he said he’s already starting to feel like his old self again. The minor stiffness didn’t concern him or the staff, who were simply relieved to see him back competing at full strength.

Head coach Mark Pope expressed full confidence in Oweh’s ability to quickly regain his rhythm despite missing significant time. The senior guard’s experience nearly 100 college games gives him a natural advantage when it comes to adjusting and staying mentally sharp after time away.

“If you’re gonna have a guy miss the first couple of weeks of practice and really, it’s been close to 10 weeks he’s the one who can handle it,” Pope said. His trust in Oweh’s maturity and understanding of the game has allowed Kentucky to ease him back into action without major concern.

Pope also noted that he doesn’t have “a lot of concerns” about Oweh maintaining his health for the long haul. With the senior now back in full participation and displaying his trademark energy and leadership, Kentucky’s backcourt looks poised to hit its stride just in time for the start of the season.

With Kentucky’s first exhibition game against top-ranked Purdue now less than two weeks away, the timing of Otega Oweh’s return couldn’t be better for Mark Pope and the Wildcats. His presence brings back a dynamic mix of experience, athleticism, and energy just as the team ramps up final preparations for the season.