Mark Pope Discusses How Otega Oweh Can Reach the Next Level

When Otega Oweh announced he was declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, the buzz around Lexington was immediate. The 6-foot-5 guard had just come off a breakout season at Kentucky, and fans were eager to know: Would the high-flying, hard-nosed scorer return for another run in the blue and white?

At the center of that question is first-year Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who not only inherited Oweh when he arrived but quickly became one of his most vocal advocates. According to Pope, Oweh isn’t just a good college player—he’s someone who could develop into one of the very best in the country, and possibly much more.

“He has every tool to become an All-American,” Pope said during a recent offseason press conference. “He just hasn’t fully tapped into all of it yet. That’s the exciting part.”

How Oweh Made the Leap in 2024-25

Before diving into Pope’s blueprint for Oweh’s rise, it’s essential to understand the leap he made in his junior year.

Oweh transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma, where he was known as a role player with raw potential. But in Lexington, he took on a starring role—leading the Wildcats in scoring with 16.2 points per game while shooting 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc, and 78.2% from the line. He added 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game and became a key two-way player in Kentucky’s lineup.

The jump in production came thanks to a green light on offense and an expanded role. Oweh’s physicality stood out, as did his ability to finish through contact, make plays in transition, and lock down opponents on the perimeter. He earned All-SEC honors and quickly became a fan favorite for his fearless style of play.

But Pope believes Oweh’s evolution is far from complete.

“He’s barely scratched the surface,” Pope said. “He’s got a next level. And I think he knows that now.”

NBA Draft Combine Feedback

Oweh was invited to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, where he participated in scrimmages and workouts. He drew praise from scouts for his motor and defensive versatility, particularly in a scrimmage where he posted 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block on efficient shooting.

Yet despite solid numbers, Oweh was not projected in ESPN’s top 59 picks—highlighting the uncertain terrain he faces.

That’s why Pope believes another year in Lexington, under a coaching staff that deeply believes in him, could be the best option.

“This place is built to help guys make those final jumps,” Pope said. “Otega could go from a borderline pick to a lottery pick in one season.”

Pope’s Development Plan for Oweh

So how exactly can Oweh get there?

1. Increased Three-Point Volume

Pope’s staff wants Oweh to take more threes—and do so with confidence.

“His mechanics are sound. His percentage is solid,” Pope noted. “Now he needs to be comfortable taking six, seven, eight threes a game. That opens everything else up for him.”

Oweh attempted just 2.4 threes per game last season—a number Pope believes should double if he returns.

2. Faster Release, Cleaner Footwork

In the SEC, Oweh could rely on athleticism and strength to create space. But Pope emphasized that to thrive at the next level, Oweh needs to quicken his release and sharpen his footwork off the catch.

“The margins are razor-thin in the NBA,” Pope said. “We’re working on tightening everything up. No wasted motion.”

3. Enhanced Playmaking

Though not known as a passer, Oweh’s 1.6 assists per game showed flashes of vision. Pope wants to amplify that.

“He has the IQ. He sees the floor,” Pope said. “We want him to make plays for others off the bounce—to be more than just a scorer.”

4. Continuing Defensive Mastery

Oweh was already a standout defender in 2024-25, often drawing the opponent’s best wing. Pope sees him becoming an elite two-way force.

“He’s the best defensive player in the country when he’s locked in,” Pope said. “He’s got the body, the instincts, the mindset. He can be the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the best perimeter defender in America.”

Oweh’s Own Reflections

Oweh, who spoke with reporters at the Combine, was candid about the decisions he faces.

“I’ve got a good situation at Kentucky,” Oweh said. “I’m just trying to weigh what makes the most sense for my future.”

He added that he’s in regular contact with Pope and his family about the process.

“Coach Pope believes in me. That’s been huge,” Oweh said. “He sees something in me, and that makes a difference.”

What His Return Would Mean for Kentucky

If Oweh returns, he would give Kentucky a true No. 1 scoring option, leadership in the backcourt, and a defensive tone-setter. He’d join a roster that includes standout returners, transfer guards like Koby Brea and Kerr Kriisa, and a top-five recruiting class.

“If we get Otega back,” Pope said, “we can compete with anyone in the country.”

ESPN analyst Jay Bilas recently noted that Oweh could be the most important “stay-or-go” player in college basketball this offseason.

“He changes Kentucky’s ceiling. He’s a 20-point-per-game guy with elite defense,” Bilas said. “There’s not many like him.”

Building Around Oweh

Pope has made it clear: the program will be designed to elevate Oweh if he returns.

They’ll run sets for him on the wing. They’ll feature him in pick-and-rolls. They’ll let him lead.

“He’s earned that,” Pope said. “We’re not guessing anymore. We’ve seen it. Now we want to see it consistently, at an All-American level.”

Assistant coaches have already laid out a summer training plan for Oweh—should he come back—including individual work with a shooting specialist, nutrition guidance to trim his body fat percentage, and agility drills aimed at enhancing his lateral quickness.

The NBA Clock Is Ticking

With the withdrawal deadline set for May 28, Oweh has less than two weeks to make a final decision.

There’s real temptation to stay in the draft. There are overseas options. There’s the allure of pro money now rather than later.

But at Kentucky, he has something rare: a program willing to revolve around him.

“We’re not just asking him to return,” Pope said. “We’re building a runway for his takeoff.”

What If He Stays in the Draft?

Kentucky is preparing for either outcome. If Oweh chooses to go pro, Pope will look to rising stars like Collin Chandler, freshman Karter Knox, and incoming transfers to fill the void.

But it would be a loss—emotionally and strategically.

“He sets the tone for our locker room,” Pope said. “He’s a grown man. He brings it every day.”

Fans, too, have rallied on social media with hashtags like #OneMoreYearOtega trending on X (formerly Twitter).

The Decision That Could Define a Season

Whether or not he returns, Otega Oweh has already left a mark in Lexington. But his story may just be getting started.

A return could set the stage for a run at SEC Player of the Year, a Final Four berth, and a top-20 draft slot in 2026.

“There’s no ceiling for him,” Pope said. “That’s what makes this so fun. He can be great. Truly great.”

As the college basketball world waits, so does Big Blue Nation. One decision could shape the season—and maybe even the legacy—of both Oweh and Pope.