One of the busiest figures in the college basketball offseason has been Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. Whether it’s transfer portal moves, new recruits or off-court headlines, Pope has stayed active since the Wildcats’ season ended.
Kentucky reached the Sweet 16 in Pope’s first year, but the team isn’t satisfied with just that. Now, it has received news that could take it even further next season.
Joe Tipton of On3 Sports broke the story Wednesday afternoon that has fans in Lexington even more excited for the return of Wildcats basketball:
"NEWS: Kentucky’s Otega Oweh is withdrawing from the NBA Draft process and will return to UK for his senior season, source told @On3sports."
In the 2024-25 season, Oweh had a major impact on the Wildcats, averaging 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
The 6'4" shooting guard transferred to Kentucky after two seasons with Oklahoma, where he started 37 of 60 games. In his second season with the Sooners, he averaged 11.4 points per game.
Oweh made headlines in a February 26 matchup against his former team, Oklahoma. He scored the final 18 points of the game and hit the game-winning shot with six seconds left, finishing with a career-high 28 points.
He did it again just six days later in the SEC Tournament, nailing another game-winner against the Sooners, this time with just 0.5 seconds remaining.
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Oweh took full advantage of the draft process, participating in the NBA Draft Combine and weighing his options before making a decision. The NCAA deadline to withdraw and retain eligibility was midnight Wednesday, and Oweh used this time to make his decision.
Oweh’s return adds experience to a roster already loaded with new talent. Incoming transfers include:
Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama)
Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh)
Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State)
Kam Williams (Tulane)
Denzel Aberdeen (Florida)
The Wildcats are also bringing in highly touted freshmen:
Mark Pope’s second season is already shaping up to be even more intriguing than his first. With Oweh back and a roster full of promise, expectations in Lexington will be sky-high.