Otega Oweh, the standout player from the University of Kentucky, has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in college basketball as the 2025 season approaches. Following a stellar breakout season, Oweh’s skills have caught the attention of fans, analysts, and scouts alike, positioning him as a legitimate contender for the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year Award. This recognition is reserved for the best player in college basketball each season, and as Oweh prepares for the 2025 campaign, he has every intention of making a push to claim the honor.
The journey to becoming college basketball’s best player is never straightforward, but Oweh’s path thus far has been nothing short of impressive. With an innate talent that allows him to dominate both ends of the court, his all-around game makes him a unique prospect, one that transcends typical positional boundaries. Oweh’s performance during his sophomore year at Kentucky gave fans a glimpse of what might be to come in 2025. His breakout season was filled with dazzling performances and a wide array of skills that cemented his place as one of the rising stars in the sport. However, for Oweh to truly make the leap to being considered college basketball’s top player, he will have to continue evolving his game, maintain consistency, and prove that he can handle the pressure of being the focal point of one of the most storied programs in NCAA history.
Born with the physical tools necessary to excel at the highest level, Oweh combines length, athleticism, and basketball IQ in a way that makes him nearly unstoppable on the court. Standing at 6’8” with a wingspan that allows him to alter shots and grab rebounds at an elite level, Oweh’s presence in the paint is undeniable. He also possesses an explosive first step, allowing him to blow by defenders on offense, and his ability to finish with both hands makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether it’s a transition dunk, a contested layup in traffic, or a high-flying block on the other end, Oweh has proven to be one of the most dynamic players in college basketball.
His performance in the 2024-2025 season was a testament to his versatility. Not only did Oweh showcase his scoring ability, but he also emerged as a leader for a Kentucky team with high expectations. With the Wildcats often relying on his ability to create offense both for himself and his teammates, Oweh had to step into a role that demanded not only skill but also maturity. He was not just a scorer, but a facilitator, capable of reading the game and making the right decision whether it was dishing out a key assist, pulling up for a smooth jump shot, or crashing the boards to secure an extra possession. This all-around game is what sets him apart from many other players in college basketball, and it’s what has earned him comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
One of Oweh’s most impressive traits is his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. While many players in college basketball are known for their offensive prowess, Oweh has shown that he can be just as effective on defense. His length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, and his defensive awareness is continually improving. As Kentucky’s primary defender in many of their matchups, Oweh often found himself tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player, regardless of position. Whether it was defending a speedy guard on the perimeter or battling a physical forward in the paint, Oweh’s defensive versatility was a major factor in Kentucky’s success last season. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and lock down his assignment made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
On the offensive side of the ball, Oweh’s development as a scorer has been equally remarkable. When he first arrived at Kentucky, many wondered about his ability to score consistently at the college level, especially from the perimeter. However, during the 2024-2025 season, Oweh showed significant growth in this area. His three-point shooting improved, and he became more confident pulling up from mid-range as well. This expanded scoring range made him an even more dangerous offensive weapon, as defenders could no longer sag off him or leave him open on the perimeter. His ball-handling also progressed, allowing him to create his own shot and get to the basket with more ease. Oweh’s offensive game is far from one-dimensional, and it’s this versatility that has made him so valuable to Kentucky.
As we look ahead to 2025, Oweh’s aspirations are clear. He wants to be more than just a good player or even a great player — he wants to be the best player in college basketball. To accomplish this, he will need to continue developing his game and maintain the high level of play that he displayed last season. That means refining his shooting, improving his basketball IQ, and making sure that his defense remains elite. There’s no doubt that Oweh has the potential to win the Naismith Award in 2025, but to do so, he will need to be at his best all season long.
One of the key factors in Oweh’s quest for the Naismith Award will be his ability to lead Kentucky deep into the NCAA tournament. College basketball is a sport that often rewards players from teams that perform well in March Madness, and while individual brilliance can carry a player to national recognition, team success is often just as important. As the leader of the Wildcats, Oweh will need to guide his team through the rigors of the SEC and into the later rounds of the tournament. If he can carry Kentucky to a Final Four or even a national championship, his chances of winning the Naismith Award will skyrocket.
There are a few challenges ahead for Oweh, however. The level of competition in college basketball is always rising, and with other elite players entering the mix each year, the road to the Naismith Award is never guaranteed. He will be facing stiff competition from other high-profile players, and with Kentucky being a high-profile program itself, Oweh will be under the microscope for every game. Opposing teams will game-plan specifically to stop him, which means he’ll need to find new ways to remain effective even when he’s not the primary scoring option. This will be a test of his growth as a player and his ability to adapt to different situations.
Moreover, the expectations that come with being a player of Oweh’s caliber are not easy to handle. There will be pressure, both from the media and from fans, to perform at a high level every time he steps onto the court. However, Oweh has shown that he thrives under pressure. His breakout season at Kentucky was a direct result of his ability to stay focused and execute in crucial moments, whether it was hitting big shots in tight games or playing lockdown defense in clutch situations. As long as he remains mentally strong and continues to refine his game, Oweh will be in a prime position to make a run at the Naismith Award.
Ultimately, Otega Oweh’s potential to be college basketball’s best player in 2025 will depend on his continued development, his ability to lead Kentucky, and his ability to handle the expectations placed upon him. There’s no question that Oweh has the talent to compete for the Naismith Award, and if he can continue to evolve as a player and help Kentucky achieve success on the national stage, he could very well be named the top player in college basketball by the end of the 2025 season. Fans of Kentucky and college basketball as a whole will be eagerly watching his journey unfold, and if his breakout season is any indication, Oweh could be on the brink of something special.
