Otega Oweh and Brandon Garrison have officially spoken, and what they had to say confirms what Kentucky fans have been hoping for all offseason — this team is ready to run it back with purpose, unity, and an unwavering hunger to finish what they started.
In their first interviews since announcing their returns to Lexington, both players made it clear that the decision to come back wasn’t just about unfinished business on the court, but about building a legacy off it. They spoke with the composure of veterans, the confidence of champions, and the humility of players who know the weight of wearing the Kentucky blue.
For Oweh, a high-flying wing known for his aggressive defense and powerful slashing ability, the choice to return was deeply personal. After testing the waters of the NBA Draft process and receiving feedback from scouts, he realized that another year under Kentucky’s spotlight could elevate his game and prepare him for the next level in a way no combine or private workout ever could. He spoke about the trust he has in head coach Mark Pope, the excitement of playing in front of Big Blue Nation again, and the brotherhood that ultimately drew him back.
“There’s just something about this place,” Oweh said. “You walk into Rupp, and it hits you. That pride, that pressure — it’s real. But that’s what makes this program so special. I want to be a part of something bigger. I want to leave my mark, not just as a player, but as a leader.”
Oweh’s evolution last season was impressive. He emerged as a key contributor in big games, guarding the opponent’s top perimeter scorer while also creating offensive opportunities in transition. He brought energy on both ends of the floor and made it a habit of delivering momentum-shifting plays. Now, with an extra year of maturity and development ahead, he’s focused on becoming more efficient, more vocal, and more versatile.
When asked about his goals for the upcoming season, Oweh didn’t hesitate. “Win. That’s it. Win the SEC. Win in March. Win it all. That’s why I’m here.”
Brandon Garrison echoed that sentiment. The 6-foot-11 forward shocked many in the basketball world when he opted to return to school despite receiving significant interest from professional teams. But according to Garrison, the pull of Kentucky — and the potential of this roster — was too strong to ignore.
“I talked with my family, my coaches, even some guys in the league,” Garrison said. “And they all told me the same thing: if your heart’s not 100% in going pro, then don’t do it. My heart is still here. I’ve got more to prove. We’ve got more to prove.”
Garrison’s freshman campaign was a rollercoaster. He showed flashes of dominance, especially in conference play, where his rim protection, rebounding, and soft touch around the basket became key components of Kentucky’s interior game. But he also battled through inconsistency and admitted that adjusting to the college level took time.
“I learned a lot,” he said. “There were times I felt like I was playing catch-up, but every rep mattered. The ups and downs taught me how to be mentally tougher. That’s something I’m carrying into this next season.”
The offseason, for both players, has already been about work. They’ve stayed in Lexington for most of the summer, hitting the gym early and often, lifting with the team’s strength staff, and sharpening their individual skill sets. Garrison is focusing on extending his range, improving his footwork in the post, and becoming a more reliable passer out of double teams. Oweh, meanwhile, is drilling jumpers, working on his handle, and taking a leadership role during informal team scrimmages.
Their returns signal stability for a Kentucky program that’s seen its fair share of change in recent years. With transfers coming and going, NBA departures, and coaching transitions, fans have longed for continuity — and now they have it in the form of two key contributors who understand what it takes to compete at the highest level of college basketball.
“Coach Pope told us from Day 1, this isn’t about building for the future. It’s about winning right now,” Oweh said. “We believe in that. We’re building chemistry, we’re building culture. It’s not just talk. We’re putting in the hours.”
Both players were candid about what they want to improve. Garrison acknowledged that while he was a force on the boards and a solid rim protector, he wants to become more of an offensive weapon — someone who can demand a double-team and make defenses pay.
“I’m working on slowing the game down,” he said. “Seeing the floor better, making smarter reads, hitting open guys. I don’t just want to be a big body in the paint. I want to be someone who can stretch the defense and still hold it down inside.”
Oweh, meanwhile, is embracing the role of vocal leader — a transition that doesn’t come naturally to him, but one he knows is necessary.
“I’ve always led with my energy,” he said. “But now I know I need to use my voice too. We’ve got young guys coming in, new faces. They’re looking for someone to show them what Kentucky basketball is really about. That’s my job now.”
What stood out most in their interviews was the mutual respect between the two. They spoke about each other’s growth, work ethic, and impact. Oweh praised Garrison for being a “rock” during tough stretches of the season, while Garrison called Oweh “the heartbeat of the team.”
“We push each other every day,” Garrison said. “If he’s going hard, I’m going hard. If I’m slacking, he’s on me. That’s the kind of accountability we have now. It’s different. This team’s going to be different.”
They also discussed the new additions to the roster — several incoming transfers and freshmen who are expected to contribute right away. While they didn’t name names, both hinted that the competition in practices has already reached a new level, and the team’s depth is stronger than ever.
“We’ve got dogs,” Oweh said with a grin. “No one’s safe. Everyone’s fighting for minutes. That’s how it should be.”
As for the fans, both players expressed deep gratitude. Garrison recounted moments during the season when Big Blue Nation lifted the team through adversity, and Oweh said there’s no fanbase in the country that matches Kentucky’s passion.
“They travel. They scream. They bleed blue,” Oweh said. “You feel it in every game, every interaction. That’s why we give everything we’ve got. They deserve it.”
Now, with expectations high and the spotlight fixed on Lexington once again, Oweh and Garrison are embracing the challenge. They know what’s at stake. They know the pressure that comes with being the faces of a team that’s chasing banners. And they’re not shying away.
“This is why we came back,” Garrison said. “Not for clout. Not for attention. For that trophy.”
It’s rare in today’s game to see talented players forgo the professional route and recommit to their college teams. But in a time when loyalty and long-term development are often overlooked, Oweh and Garrison are betting on themselves — and on each other.
Their interviews didn’t just break silence. They set the tone.
Kentucky isn’t just looking to compete next season. They’re looking to conquer. And with Oweh and Garrison leading the charge, the Wildcats are already ahead of the curve.
