If Otega Oweh Comes Back, Kentucky Might Be Unstoppable—See the Lineups
As the summer sun sets over Lexington, a buzz brews louder with each passing day: Will Otega Oweh return to Kentucky? The 6’5” guard from Newark, New Jersey, a defensive menace and athletic spark plug, declared for the NBA Draft earlier this spring, leaving Big Blue Nation in suspense. Now, with the withdrawal deadline looming, fans and insiders alike are imagining a reality where Oweh returns—and what that would mean for Kentucky’s 2025–26 season.
If he comes back, Kentucky might be… unstoppable.
Under the new leadership of head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats have already reloaded the roster with a blend of veteran presence and high-octane youth. But Oweh is different. He’s the glue. The heartbeat. The one player who can elevate this talented group from dangerous to dominant.
Oweh’s Impact
Last season, Oweh averaged 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter threat on most nights. His ability to defend 1 through 3, finish at the rim in transition, and spark fast-break opportunities made him a nightmare matchup. NBA scouts love his athleticism, but his jumper remains a work-in-progress—one reason he might return for one more collegiate run.
Should he come back, Pope inherits not just a top-tier defender but a battle-tested leader.
Projected Lineups With Oweh
If Oweh returns, here’s what a starting five might look like:
Starting Five:
PG: DJ Wagner Jr. (Sr.) – The steady-handed floor general, improved shooter, and emotional engine.
SG: Otega Oweh (Jr.) – Defensive ace, slasher, tone-setter.
SF: Karter Knox (So.) – Sophomore breakout candidate with elite scoring instincts.
PF: Amari Williams (Grad) – A 6’10” rim protector and pick-and-roll beast from Drexel.
C: Zvonimir Ivišić (Jr.) – The Croatian unicorn—7’2” with a soft shooting touch and passing feel.
Off the bench, Mark Pope could deploy a terrifying second unit: sharpshooter Collin Chandler, the bouncy freshman combo guard Tyran Stokes, veteran wing Adou Thiero, and freshman big Johnuel “Boogie” Fland ready to bring lightning off the pine.
The result? A team with elite depth, physicality, scoring, and defensive versatility—something Kentucky hasn’t had at this level in years.
National Title or Bust?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—if Oweh comes back, expectations won’t just rise; they’ll explode. Kentucky would have a top-five defense nationally, a backcourt capable of switching everything, and a frontcourt rotation with both rim protection and three-point shooting. Mark Pope’s spacing-and-pace system would benefit enormously from Oweh’s ability to slash and finish when help defenders cheat out.
NBA scouts may want Oweh to bet on himself now. But if he returns, polishes his jumper, and leads Kentucky to a Final Four—or better—his draft stock could skyrocket.
The Decision
For now, we wait. NBA workouts continue, rumors swirl, and draft boards fluctuate. But back in Lexington, practice jerseys still hang in the locker room. There’s one in particular, No. 3, that hasn’t been touched.
Because if Otega Oweh comes back… Kentucky might not lose a game.
