In a decision that sent ripples through the college basketball world, Kentucky standout Otega Oweh has announced he is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft and will return to Lexington for another season. The news, which broke just moments ago, has electrified Big Blue Nation and sparked renewed hopes of a national championship run in the upcoming season.
Oweh, a dynamic 6-foot-5 guard with an explosive first step and a relentless motor on both ends of the floor, had declared for the draft following a breakout junior campaign. He was widely projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick, with scouts praising his athleticism, defensive intensity, and improved offensive skill set. Yet despite the lure of professional basketball and the potential for a lucrative rookie contract, Oweh made the bold choice to come back and run it back in blue and white.
Speaking in a heartfelt video message posted to his social media accounts, Oweh expressed both gratitude and clarity in his decision. “After talking it over with my family, my coaches, and spending a lot of time in prayer, I’ve decided to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to the University of Kentucky,” he said. “This place is home. I’ve still got work to do, and I’m not done writing my story in Lexington.”
The announcement is a massive win for head coach Mark Pope, who is heading into his second season at the helm of the Wildcats program. Pope, who made headlines when he took over for John Calipari following the 2023-24 season, has been working tirelessly to rebuild Kentucky into a powerhouse, recruiting aggressively and embracing player development as a key pillar of his vision.
Oweh’s return gives Pope and the Wildcats a legitimate superstar around whom to structure their game plan. Last season, Oweh averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 47.8% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range. His defensive prowess made him one of the premier perimeter stoppers in the SEC, and his ability to take over games down the stretch separated him from his peers.
Perhaps even more important than the numbers, however, is the impact Oweh had on the culture of Kentucky basketball. His work ethic, competitive fire, and leadership in the locker room helped steady the team through adversity. Whether it was diving for loose balls, jawing with opponents to fire up his teammates, or calmly knocking down clutch free throws in crunch time, Oweh embodied what it meant to wear the Kentucky jersey with pride.
For fans, his return feels like more than just a basketball decision—it’s an affirmation of loyalty in an era of college sports defined by constant movement. “We live in a world where everyone’s chasing the next big thing, the next opportunity,” said UK assistant coach Chuck Martin. “But Otega understands that there’s something special about legacy. He wants to leave his mark—not just be a name on a roster.”
That mark could be historic. With a talented recruiting class incoming and several key returners joining Oweh on the court, Kentucky is suddenly back in the conversation as a serious national contender. Expectations are rising. The Wildcats haven’t reached the Final Four since 2015, a drought by the program’s lofty standards, but Oweh’s decision gives Pope and company the kind of star power that can change that narrative in a hurry.
NBA scouts had been intrigued by Oweh’s two-way capabilities and his elite motor. He impressed in pre-draft workouts, particularly in his ability to defend multiple positions, create off the dribble, and shoot with range. But there were questions about his consistency as a primary scorer and whether his offensive game was polished enough to make an immediate impact in the league.
By returning to school, Oweh now has the opportunity to sharpen those elements of his game while leading a high-profile team in a high-pressure environment. It’s a calculated risk—injuries, shifts in draft stock, or team chemistry issues could affect his future—but it’s one he seems more than willing to embrace.
“I love this team. I love this program,” Oweh said in his video. “I want to be here when we cut down nets. I want to walk off the court in April knowing we gave everything we had. That’s what drives me.”
His decision drew swift reaction across the basketball world. NBA analyst Jay Bilas tweeted, “Huge news for Kentucky. Otega Oweh is a difference-maker. His return means the Wildcats are legit national title contenders.” Former UK star and current NBA player Tyrese Maxey chimed in as well: “Let’s goooooo! Big time decision from a big time player. BBN, y’all better get ready.”
Even within the conference, there was acknowledgment of the magnitude of the move. “Otega coming back is scary,” said one SEC assistant coach anonymously. “You’re talking about a guy who can lock down your best scorer and drop 25 on you the same night. He’s a nightmare matchup. If he improves his handle and consistency, good luck guarding him.”