**Kentucky Basketball’s Otega Oweh Withdraws from NBA Draft, Rejoins Mark Pope’s Wildcats for 2024-25 Season*
*Lexington, KY – May 30, 2025* — In a major boost for Kentucky basketball’s roster and a significant moment in the program’s early rebuild under head coach Mark Pope, junior guard **Otega Oweh** has officially withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and announced his return to Lexington for the upcoming 2024–25 college basketball season.
Oweh, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound athletic two-way guard, entered the NBA Draft process following a strong junior campaign that saw him flash NBA potential with his defense, explosiveness, and growing offensive versatility. After testing the waters over the past few weeks — including workouts with multiple NBA teams and appearances at the G League Elite Camp — Oweh ultimately decided to return to school and continue his development under Coach Pope.
> “After a lot of prayer, conversations with my family and the coaching staff, I’ve decided to come back to Kentucky for another season,” Oweh wrote in a message shared on social media. “The NBA is still the dream, but I believe I have unfinished business here in Lexington. Let’s run it back.”
### A Proven Defender and Emerging Star
Oweh, who transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma ahead of the 2023–24 season, quickly emerged as a key contributor for the Wildcats. Known for his suffocating perimeter defense, transition speed, and intensity, he became a fan favorite with his hustle and energy on both ends of the floor. He averaged **11.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game**, while shooting a career-best 35.8% from beyond the arc.
His return adds an experienced and tenacious presence to a Kentucky backcourt that has been overhauled this offseason following a disappointing early exit in the NCAA Tournament and the departure of former head coach John Calipari.
### Mark Pope Era Gets a Shot in the Arm
Oweh’s decision to return is a massive early win for **Mark Pope**, who took over the Kentucky program in April after a successful stint at BYU. Pope, a former Wildcat himself, has been aggressive in retooling the roster, landing several high-profile transfers and bringing in a mix of veterans and shooters to reshape UK’s identity.
> “Otega is the kind of player every coach dreams of,” Pope said in a statement. “His toughness, his work ethic, his leadership — that’s what we’re building this program around. He’s only scratching the surface of how good he can be, and we’re thrilled he’s decided to continue that journey with us.”
Pope has already added notable transfers like **Jaxson Robinson (BYU)**, **Koby Brea (Dayton)**, and **Aly Khalifa (BYU)**, bringing in elite shooting and experience to complement Kentucky’s remaining core. With Oweh’s return, the Wildcats now boast a defensive-minded wing who can guard multiple positions and create offense in transition — a critical piece in Pope’s uptempo, modern system.
### A Calculated Decision with NBA Future in Mind
For Oweh, the decision to withdraw from the draft was not made lightly. NBA scouts have lauded his defensive instincts and physical tools, but many believed he could rise significantly in next year’s draft with continued improvement in his handle, shot creation, and three-point consistency.
> “He’s right on the edge,” one NBA scout told *The Athletic* this week. “With another year to polish his offensive game and show he can be a consistent playmaker, he could absolutely rise into the late first or early second round next year.”
By returning, Oweh positions himself as one of the leaders of a revitalized Kentucky squad and likely centerpiece of the team’s defensive identity. He’s expected to take on an even larger offensive role, especially if Pope utilizes him more as a primary ballhandler in certain lineups.
### Fans React with Excitement
News of Oweh’s return was met with celebration across Big Blue Nation. Social media buzzed with messages of support and excitement as Kentucky fans welcomed back one of the most dynamic players from last season’s roster.
> “This is huge for our team,” wrote one fan on X. “Otega brings the fire we need. He’s a Wildcat through and through.”
### Looking Ahead
With Oweh back in the fold, Kentucky’s roster now shapes up as a formidable and balanced group, capable of contending in the SEC and making a deep run in March. He joins a backcourt rotation that includes veterans and floor-spacers, giving Pope multiple lineup combinations and defensive versatility.
The return also reinforces Kentucky’s appeal as a destination for elite transfers and potential NBA talent — a key part of Pope’s early vision to modernize the program while honoring its historic tradition.
For now, the focus shifts to summer workouts, chemistry building, and the first full offseason of the Mark Pope era. But with Otega Oweh back in blue and white, the Wildcats’ future just got a whole lot brighter.
*By: Ryan Lancaster | College
Basketball Reporter, Lexington Herald-Leader*
Leave a Reply