Otega Oweh, Kentucky’s standout guard, is at a crossroads in his basketball career. With his name in the 2025 NBA Draft, the decision to turn professional or return to Kentucky for another season is one that has fans and analysts buzzing. Head coach Mark Pope has weighed in on the matter, expressing optimism about Oweh’s future—whether in the NBA or back in Lexington.
Oweh transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma and quickly became a key player for the Wildcats. His impressive season saw him earn All-SEC Second Team honors, averaging **16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game** [A](https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-basketball/mark-pope-provides-an-update-on-kentucky-guard-otega-oweh/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQjVmVEFSeHdweW01Z3JRWk5pUHNBIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNhdHVyZGF5ZG93bnNvdXRoLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9tYXJrLXBvcGUtcHJvdmlkZXMtYW4tdXBkYXRlLW9uLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWd1YXJkLW90ZWdhLW93ZWhcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to dominate on both ends of the court has made him a highly regarded prospect, but his draft stock remains uncertain. ESPN’s latest rankings place him at **77th overall** in the draft class [A](https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-basketball/mark-pope-provides-an-update-on-kentucky-guard-otega-oweh/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQjVmVEFSeHdweW01Z3JRWk5pUHNBIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNhdHVyZGF5ZG93bnNvdXRoLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvY29sbGVnZS1iYXNrZXRiYWxsXC9tYXJrLXBvcGUtcHJvdmlkZXMtYW4tdXBkYXRlLW9uLWtlbnR1Y2t5LWd1YXJkLW90ZWdhLW93ZWhcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1), meaning he could benefit from another year of development at the collegiate level.
Mark Pope has made it clear that Kentucky would welcome Oweh back with open arms. In a recent interview, Pope stated, *“Otega is going through this draft process, and we’re cheering for him every step of the way—but I know a lot of his heart is back here at Kentucky”* [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mark-pope-high-hopes-otega-195509507.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQjVmVEFSeHdweW01Z3JRWk5pUHNBIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvbWFyay1wb3BlLWhpZ2gtaG9wZXMtb3RlZ2EtMTk1NTA5NTA3Lmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). He went on to say that if Oweh returns, he would likely be the **presumptive SEC Player of the Year** [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mark-pope-high-hopes-otega-195509507.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQjVmVEFSeHdweW01Z3JRWk5pUHNBIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvbWFyay1wb3BlLWhpZ2gtaG9wZXMtb3RlZ2EtMTk1NTA5NTA3Lmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This statement has fueled speculation that Oweh may opt to withdraw from the draft before the **May 28 deadline** [C](https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/mark-pope-a-lot-of-otega-owehs-heart-is-back-here-at-kentucky/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJTTEFIRzFBM0FvWFVEV05YUVh5b2kiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQjVmVEFSeHdweW01Z3JRWk5pUHNBIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm9uMy5jb21cL3RlYW1zXC9rZW50dWNreS13aWxkY2F0c1wvbmV3c1wvbWFyay1wb3BlLWEtbG90LW9mLW90ZWdhLW93ZWhzLWhlYXJ0LWlzLWJhY2staGVyZS1hdC1rZW50dWNreVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
The decision is not just about basketball—it’s also about financial security and career trajectory. While Oweh has the talent to make an impact in the NBA, staying at Kentucky could allow him to refine his skills, improve his draft stock, and potentially secure a higher selection in the 2026 draft. Additionally, the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals means that top college players can earn significant income while continuing their development in the NCAA.
For Kentucky, Oweh’s return would be a game-changer. The Wildcats are already shaping
