Mark Pope, the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, has sparked excitement among fans with his bold prediction regarding Otega Oweh’s future. As Oweh navigates the NBA Draft process, Pope has expressed confidence that if the talented guard chooses to return to Kentucky, he could emerge as the **presumptive SEC Player of the Year favorite** [A](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/mark-pope-explains-the-plan-for-the-future-of-kentucky-star-otega-oweh?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL21lbi1zLWJhc2tldGJhbGxcL21hcmstcG9wZS1leHBsYWlucy10aGUtcGxhbi1mb3ItdGhlLWZ1dHVyZS1vZi1rZW50dWNreS1zdGFyLW90ZWdhLW93ZWgifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/article/mark-pope-otega-oweh-jon-rothstein-kentucky-basketball-249482624/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL2FydGljbGVcL21hcmstcG9wZS1vdGVnYS1vd2VoLWpvbi1yb3Roc3RlaW4ta2VudHVja3ktYmFza2V0YmFsbC0yNDk0ODI2MjRcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This statement has fueled speculation and enthusiasm among Wildcats supporters, who are eager to see Oweh continue his collegiate career.
### Oweh’s Impact at Kentucky
Otega Oweh has already made a significant mark on Kentucky basketball. Last season, he was the team’s leading scorer, averaging **16.2 points per game**, along with **4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals** [B](https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/article/mark-pope-otega-oweh-jon-rothstein-kentucky-basketball-249482624/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL2FydGljbGVcL21hcmstcG9wZS1vdGVnYS1vd2VoLWpvbi1yb3Roc3RlaW4ta2VudHVja3ktYmFza2V0YmFsbC0yNDk0ODI2MjRcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to perform in clutch moments, including game-winning shots against his former team, Oklahoma, showcased his talent and composure under pressure. His offensive versatility and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset to the Wildcats.
### The NBA Draft Decision
Oweh is currently testing the NBA Draft waters while maintaining his college eligibility. His name appeared among the **106 early entrants** in the NBA’s official list, but he is not prominently featured in recent mock drafts [B](https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/article/mark-pope-otega-oweh-jon-rothstein-kentucky-basketball-249482624/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL2FydGljbGVcL21hcmstcG9wZS1vdGVnYS1vd2VoLWpvbi1yb3Roc3RlaW4ta2VudHVja3ktYmFza2V0YmFsbC0yNDk0ODI2MjRcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). ESPN’s Jonathan Givony ranked him **No. 77** among draft prospects, suggesting that he might go undrafted [B](https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/article/mark-pope-otega-oweh-jon-rothstein-kentucky-basketball-249482624/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL2FydGljbGVcL21hcmstcG9wZS1vdGVnYS1vd2VoLWpvbi1yb3Roc3RlaW4ta2VudHVja3ktYmFza2V0YmFsbC0yNDk0ODI2MjRcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This uncertainty has led many to believe that returning to Kentucky for another season could be the best move for his career.
### Pope’s Vision for Oweh
Mark Pope’s confidence in Oweh’s potential SEC stardom is rooted in the player’s growth and skill set. Pope emphasized that Oweh’s heart remains with Kentucky and that his return would solidify the Wildcats as a **preseason top-5 team and a legitimate national title contender** [B](https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/article/mark-pope-otega-oweh-jon-rothstein-kentucky-basketball-249482624/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL2FydGljbGVcL21hcmstcG9wZS1vdGVnYS1vd2VoLWpvbi1yb3Roc3RlaW4ta2VudHVja3ktYmFza2V0YmFsbC0yNDk0ODI2MjRcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). If Oweh withdraws from the draft, he will have the opportunity to refine his game, particularly his **three-point shooting**, which could significantly boost his NBA stock [A](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/mark-pope-explains-the-plan-for-the-future-of-kentucky-star-otega-oweh?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL21lbi1zLWJhc2tldGJhbGxcL21hcmstcG9wZS1leHBsYWlucy10aGUtcGxhbi1mb3ItdGhlLWZ1dHVyZS1vZi1rZW50dWNreS1zdGFyLW90ZWdhLW93ZWgifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### The Road Ahead
Oweh has until **May 28** to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to Kentucky [B](https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/article/mark-pope-otega-oweh-jon-rothstein-kentucky-basketball-249482624/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL2FydGljbGVcL21hcmstcG9wZS1vdGVnYS1vd2VoLWpvbi1yb3Roc3RlaW4ta2VudHVja3ktYmFza2V0YmFsbC0yNDk0ODI2MjRcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His decision will have a major impact on the Wildcats’ roster and their championship aspirations. Fans are eagerly awaiting his choice, hoping that he will embrace Pope’s vision and lead Kentucky to SEC dominance.
If Oweh does return, he will not only be a favorite for SEC Player of the Year but also a key figure in Kentucky’s pursuit of a national championship. His presence would elevate the team’s performance and provide him with another year to showcase his skills on a grand stage.
What do you think—should Oweh take Pope’s advice and return to Kentucky? [A](https://www.si.com/college/kentucky/men-s-basketball/mark-pope-explains-the-plan-for-the-future-of-kentucky-star-otega-oweh?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL21lbi1zLWJhc2tldGJhbGxcL21hcmstcG9wZS1leHBsYWlucy10aGUtcGxhbi1mb3ItdGhlLWZ1dHVyZS1vZi1rZW50dWNreS1zdGFyLW90ZWdhLW93ZWgifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/article/mark-pope-otega-oweh-jon-rothstein-kentucky-basketball-249482624/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJGc1dONnBucG9GQ0YyVkdwdktYU3YiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiU1pQWDRDMTNHTTdQTlVrQU1qM0dMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwva2VudHVja3lcL2FydGljbGVcL21hcmstcG9wZS1vdGVnYS1vd2VoLWpvbi1yb3Roc3RlaW4ta2VudHVja3ktYmFza2V0YmFsbC0yNDk0ODI2MjRcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1)
