Mark Pope Experiments with Otega Oweh at Point Guard in Practice – A Bold Move for Kentucky?
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope is already shaking things up in practice, and one of the most interesting developments is seeing Otega Oweh getting some minutes at point guard. For fans who know Oweh as a strong, athletic wing player, this might come as a surprise. But in today’s fast-paced, positionless basketball world, versatility is key, and Pope seems willing to test new ideas early in his tenure.
Otega Oweh, a transfer from Oklahoma, is known for his defensive intensity, slashing ability, and physicality. At 6’5” with a strong frame, he doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a point guard, but that might not matter in Pope’s system. The new Kentucky coach has emphasized pace, spacing, and player movement, which could allow a bigger guard like Oweh to initiate the offense without being a pure playmaker in the classic sense.
During practice sessions, Oweh has reportedly been handling the ball more, running sets, and making decisions in transition. While he’s not a natural floor general like some of Kentucky’s past point guards, his ability to attack the rim and defend multiple positions could make him a unique weapon. If he can make simple reads and avoid turnovers, this experiment might pay off in certain lineups.
The bigger question is: why try this now? Kentucky’s roster currently lacks a proven, traditional point guard. Freshman Travis Perry is more of a combo guard, and fellow newcomer Kerr Kriisa, if he commits, would bring experience but isn’t a lock to land in Lexington. With Pope wanting to push the tempo, having multiple ball-handlers—even unconventional ones—could be crucial. Oweh’s strength and athleticism might help him break presses, drive against smaller defenders, and create mismatches.
Of course, there are risks. Oweh averaged just 1.1 assists per game last season at Oklahoma, and asking him to run an offense at the highest level of college basketball is a tall task. However, if Pope is looking for a different look—perhaps in defensive-heavy lineups where Oweh can switch everything—this could be a situational strategy rather than a full-time solution.
Fans shouldn’t expect Oweh to suddenly turn into John Wall or Tyler Ulis, but his development in this role could add another layer to Kentucky’s offense. If he proves capable, it would give Pope more flexibility in rotations, especially against bigger, physical teams. And if it doesn’t work? Well, that’s what practice is for—figuring out what sticks before the real games begin.
One thing is clear: Mark Pope isn’t afraid to try something different. Whether this experiment becomes a staple of Kentucky’s offense or just a fun footnote in preseason workouts, it shows that the Wildcats are exploring every possible edge. And in a season where expectations are high but the roster is still coming together, creativity might be the key to success.
As practices continue, all eyes will be on Oweh’s progression in this role. If he can handle the added responsibility, Kentucky’s offense could be even more unpredictable and dangerous. If not, Pope will adjust and move on. Either way, it’s an exciting glimpse into the kind of innovative coaching Wildcat fans can expect under their new leader.
The season is still months away, but one thing’s for sure—Kentucky basketball under Mark Pope won’t be boring. And if experimenting with Otega Oweh at point guard leads to even a few explosive plays or unexpected wins, fans will be all for it. After all, in college basketball, adaptability often separates the good teams from the great ones. And if there’s one program that always strives for greatness, it’s Kentucky.
