When John Calipari left Kentucky and Mark Pope was handed the reins to Big Blue Nation, many wondered who would step up to embody the voice and identity of the Wildcats in this new era. That answer, as summer workouts intensify, is becoming clearer by the day.
Otega Oweh.
The Oklahoma transfer — a 6-foot-5, 215-pound guard known for his relentless two-way play — has quickly emerged as the emotional and vocal leader of the Kentucky Wildcats this summer. Those inside the Joe Craft Center are already whispering what fans are starting to believe: “That’s a leader!”
And with a revamped roster, renewed energy, and a program looking to reassert itself among college basketball’s elite, Oweh’s fire, voice, and dominance during offseason workouts may be exactly what Kentucky needs.
A NEW VOICE IN THE LOCKER ROOM
Oweh’s arrival in Lexington was one of the early triumphs of the Mark Pope era. After averaging 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game at Oklahoma last season, Oweh entered the transfer portal with plenty of suitors. Pope’s fast and modern system — coupled with a promise of opportunity and culture — ultimately sold Oweh.
But no one expected him to seize control of the locker room this quickly.
“He’s the loudest in the room — but in the best possible way,” assistant coach Cody Fueger said. “He holds his teammates accountable, pushes the pace in drills, and demands effort on every possession.”
Veterans and incoming players alike are gravitating toward his energy.
“He came in and acted like he’s been here for four years,” said sophomore forward Aaron Bradshaw. “He’s vocal. He’s intense. But more than anything, he backs it up. You hear him, then you see him go 110% in every drill. That’s a leader.”
SUMMER PRACTICE TAKEOVER
Observers at Kentucky’s closed summer practices describe Oweh’s presence as “palpable.” Whether it’s a defensive slide drill, 5-on-5 scrimmage, or late-night shooting session, Oweh is there — drenched in sweat, barking encouragement, and setting the tone.
“Day one, he dove for a loose ball in a non-contact drill,” Mark Pope said. “He just gets it. This kid’s motor is unmatched, and his leadership by example is contagious.”
One viral moment from a team scrimmage reportedly had Oweh stripping a veteran guard at half-court, sprinting coast to coast for a powerful dunk, then clapping and yelling, “That’s what we’re on this year! No excuses!” The gym erupted.
FITTING INTO MARK POPE’S SYSTEM
Mark Pope is building a system at Kentucky rooted in pace, space, toughness, and accountability. That makes Oweh not just a great player — but a perfect fit.
At Oklahoma, Oweh was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player. His length, strength, and lateral quickness made him a nightmare for ball handlers. Offensively, he slashed, attacked, and played above the rim. But in Pope’s system, he’s expanding.
“Otega’s shot has come a long way,” shooting coach Chris Burgess said. “He’s repped it out daily and is now knocking down threes off the catch consistently.”
Pope’s offense, which emphasizes spacing and multiple playmakers, opens up the floor for Oweh to exploit matchups and create. But his biggest contribution, the staff says, is his ability to anchor the defense.
“He’s our defensive quarterback,” Pope noted. “He’s barking out coverages, pointing guys to their spots. That’s advanced stuff — especially in summer.”
THE TEAMMATE EVERYONE TRUSTS
Building chemistry is one of the biggest summer priorities for any team, especially one as newly constructed as Kentucky’s 2025 roster. That’s where Oweh’s leadership has shined brightest.
From day one, he’s taken younger players under his wing. Freshman guard Travis Perry — Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball and homegrown talent — said Oweh’s been like “a big brother.”
“He’s constantly checking on us, texting after practice, sending film clips,” Perry said. “He wants us all to succeed.”
Even more telling is how veterans like Amari Williams (Drexel transfer) and Brandon Garrison (Oklahoma State transfer) defer to Oweh on the court.
“Every team has that one voice you listen to when the game’s on the line or the practice gets tough,” Garrison said. “That’s O. He sets the tone.”
BUILDING A CULTURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
One of Mark Pope’s first challenges in taking over Kentucky was reshaping the locker room culture into one rooted in accountability, toughness, and unity. And he’s found a valuable ally in Oweh.
“It’s rare that your toughest guy is also your most encouraging teammate,” Pope said. “He’ll call you out if you slack, but he’ll also dap you up when you bounce back.”
During one scrimmage in early June, a turnover led to a breakdown on defense. Oweh stopped the drill, pointed out the mistake, then rallied the team. “That’s on us — all five. Clean it up, communicate, next play.”
Coaches say those moments are becoming the norm.
“He’s leading before we even have to say anything,” Fueger added. “He’s taken ownership of this team.”
CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER
A native of Somerset, New Jersey, and the younger brother of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh, Otega plays with a chip on his shoulder. He wasn’t a McDonald’s All-American. He wasn’t a five-star. But he’s outworking everybody.
“Every time I step on the court, I’m proving something,” Oweh said. “To myself, to the doubters, and to anyone who thinks Kentucky can’t be elite again.”
That mentality is resonating with teammates and fans alike. Social media clips of his workouts are going viral. His jersey is already a top seller in team stores. And at a recent open practice, he was mobbed for autographs.
BIG DREAMS, BIG BLUE EXPECTATIONS
With Oweh at the forefront, expectations in Lexington are quietly rising. The Wildcats have assembled one of the most intriguing and balanced rosters in the SEC, blending transfers, freshmen, and returning role players into a cohesive unit.
And Oweh is vocal about their goals.
“We want banners,” he said. “Final Four. SEC Champs. National respect. We’re coming for it all.”
Mark Pope echoed that sentiment.
“If you want to build something special, you need a foundation,” Pope said. “Otega’s our foundation. He’s the guy who wakes up hungry and goes to bed dreaming of championships.”
NBA SCOUTS ARE WATCHING
Oweh’s dominance in summer practice hasn’t just caught the attention of coaches and fans — NBA scouts are taking notice too. Multiple team scouts have attended Kentucky practices and are impressed with Oweh’s physical profile, defensive tools, and emerging offensive game.
One Western Conference scout told The Athletic, “He’s the type of guy you want on your roster — high motor, strong frame, great defender, improving shooter. He’s trending up.”
If Oweh continues to shine through the season, he could become one of the breakout draft prospects in the SEC.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
As summer turns to fall, Oweh’s role as Kentucky’s leader is expected to grow even more. The Wildcats will face a challenging non-conference slate, early SEC tests, and the pressure of restoring Kentucky’s blueblood status.
And when adversity hits — which it always does in a long season — they’ll look to #2.
“We’re not running from the pressure,” Oweh said. “We’re embracing it. Because when Kentucky is right, there’s nothing like it.”
FINAL THOUGHT: “THAT’S A LEADER”
Leadership isn’t just about stats or highlight plays. It’s about presence. Command. Sacrifice. Accountability. And above all, impact.
In every one of those areas, Otega Oweh has stepped up — and his coaches, teammates, and fans are all saying the same thing:
“That’s a leader.”
In a program with a rich history of legends and heroes, Oweh is carving out his place — not with hype or headlines, but with heart. And as Kentucky eyes a return to glory, they may have found the perfect captain to steer the ship
