Kentucky star Otega Oweh pulls out of NBA Draft and will return to Lexington

In a pivotal move for both Otega Oweh and the Kentucky Wildcats, the standout guard has officially withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and announced his decision to return to Lexington for his senior season. This announcement, made just before the NBA Draft deadline, has sent ripples of excitement through the Big Blue Nation and reshaped expectations for the upcoming 2025–26 college basketball season.

A Stellar Season at Kentucky
Oweh’s inaugural season with Kentucky was nothing short of exceptional. After transferring from Oklahoma, he quickly established himself as the team’s leader, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His shooting efficiency was impressive, with a field goal percentage of 49.2% and a three-point shooting percentage of 35.5%. These performances earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors and a spot on the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District First Team .

His standout moments included a game-winning shot against Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament, showcasing his clutch gene and poise under pressure. These performances solidified his reputation as one of the premier guards in college basketball.

Decision to Return
Despite receiving positive evaluations from NBA scouts, including high marks for his athleticism and defensive prowess, Oweh faced concerns regarding the consistency of his three-point shooting. Recognizing the opportunity to further develop his skills and increase his draft stock, Oweh opted to return to Kentucky. In a statement, he expressed his desire to continue his growth and contribute to the team’s pursuit of a national championship .

Head coach Mark Pope welcomed the decision, emphasizing Oweh’s leadership and the stability his return brings to the program. “Otega’s decision to return is a testament to his commitment to this program and his desire to achieve greatness,” Pope remarked.

Impact on Kentucky’s 2025–26 Roster
Oweh’s return significantly bolsters Kentucky’s backcourt. His scoring ability, defensive prowess, and leadership qualities make him a cornerstone for the Wildcats’ lineup. Coupled with the development of emerging talents like Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky is poised to be a formidable force in college basketball.

With Oweh leading the charge, the Wildcats aim to capture their ninth national championship, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.

Fan and Social Media Reaction
The Big Blue Nation erupted in celebration upon hearing the news of Oweh’s return. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support and excitement. Teammates, coaches, and fans alike expressed their enthusiasm, with many highlighting Oweh’s impact on and off the court.

Looking Ahead
As the 2025–26 season approaches, Oweh’s leadership and experience will be invaluable assets for Kentucky. His commitment to returning underscores his dedication to the program and his ambition to achieve collegiate basketball’s highest honors.

With Oweh at the helm, the Wildcats are not only contenders but favorites in the national championship race. The journey to the title begins now, and with Oweh leading the way, Kentucky’s future looks exceptionally promising.

Kentucky fans have been waiting for weeks to hear a decision from Otega Oweh, and alas, the long wait is over, and Oweh will be back in Lexington for another season playing for Mark Pope.

Oweh worked out for a lot of different teams, and over the last few days, there was some buzz that his draft stock was starting to rise, but he eventually made the decision that one more season in Lexington would be best for his future.

This was definitely the best decision for Oweh as he will have millions waiting for him in NIL money once, he is back in Lexington, and he can take the feedback NBA teams gave him to work on these things.

Oweh is talented enough that if he is able to improve on the things the NBA teams are telling him to work on, he could turn himself into a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Last season, Oweh led the Wildcats in scoring, averaging 16.2 points per game, and he is going to have a shot to top that this season. He likely will be the favorite to win SEC Player of the Year, and if this were to happen, he would be a First-Team All-American selection.

Oweh proved to be a clutch late-game scorer in multiple games last season, like the wins over Duke and both game-winners vs. Oklahoma. Having a player like this to go with all of the elite talent on the 2025-26 Kentucky roster makes the Wildcats scary.

Kentucky is a top five team in college hoops with Oweh back, and the Wildcats have a great shot to win it all in year two under Coach Pope.