Breaking: Otega Oweh Withdraws From 2025 NBA Draft, Will Return to Kentucky for 2025–26 Season

LEXINGTON, Ky. — In a stunning development that instantly reshapes the trajectory of the 2025–26 college basketball season, Kentucky Wildcats star guard Otega Oweh has officially announced that he is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft and returning to school.

The announcement, made via a joint statement from Oweh and the University of Kentucky athletic department on Wednesday morning, delivers a major boost to a program that is in the midst of rebuilding under first-year head coach Mark Pope. It also signals that Oweh is betting on himself — believing another year of growth in Lexington can raise both his NBA stock and his collegiate legacy.

This move is monumental for Kentucky basketball, and its ripple effects will be felt far beyond Rupp Arena.

For Otega Oweh, the road to this moment has been winding, but purposeful.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound guard began his college career at Oklahoma, where he was known for his athleticism and defensive tenacity. In Norman, he showed flashes of high-level talent, particularly in transition offense and perimeter defense. But it wasn’t until his transfer to Kentucky for the 2024–25 season that Oweh truly exploded onto the national scene.

In his debut season as a Wildcat, Oweh led the team in scoring at 16.2 points per game, while also contributing 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 steals. More than just numbers, it was his presence in big moments that endeared him to the Kentucky faithful.

Whether it was his game-winning floater to beat Oklahoma or his late-game heroics in a fiery win over archrival Louisville, Oweh repeatedly delivered in clutch time. His two-way play earned him NABC All-District honors and the reputation as one of the most physically imposing and mentally resilient guards in the country.

Despite this, his standing on NBA Draft boards remained uncertain. According to ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony, Oweh was projected outside the top 60 — possibly heading for an undrafted route. For a player with such visible upside, that was not enough.

Oweh initially declared for the NBA Draft in March, while preserving his college eligibility — a smart, calculated move designed to test the waters and gauge professional interest.

During this period, he participated in private workouts and submitted his name to the NBA’s Undergraduate Advisory Committee. Feedback from scouts was generally positive regarding his athleticism, defensive instincts, and physical tools, but critiques centered on his shooting consistency (32.5% from three), decision-making, and ball-handling under pressure.

In interviews, scouts viewed Oweh as a “high-energy, defensive-minded guard” — valuable in the right system, but perhaps not ready to contribute immediately at the NBA level.

With a return to college offering the opportunity to round out those areas of weakness — especially under a coach like Mark Pope who emphasizes spacing and player development — the decision became increasingly clear. By April’s end, the writing was on the wall.

On May 1st, the decision was made official: Oweh would return to Lexington.

There are a few key reasons why this decision makes both strategic and personal sense for Oweh:

Returning to school gives Oweh a legitimate shot to move into the first-round conversation in 2026. With a full year as the focal point of Kentucky’s offense and more opportunities to polish his perimeter game, scouts will have a larger and more refined sample size to evaluate.

He’ll also likely earn an invitation to high-profile camps like the G League Elite Camp and potentially the NBA Draft Combine next year, especially if he continues to dominate on both ends.

Oweh is expected to earn a significant NIL package through Kentucky’s collective and national brand partnerships. Some reports estimate that high-profile returning players at major programs can earn between $250,000 and $500,000, sometimes more — particularly if they’re the face of the team.

This softens the financial downside of delaying professional aspirations.

While Kentucky fans are still adjusting to the post-Calipari era, players like Oweh provide a bridge to a new identity. His toughness, leadership, and on-court production position him as the potential SEC Player of the Year and an All-American candidate.

He has the chance to lead a deep tournament run, something he’s never experienced before.

New head coach Mark Pope has made a strong impression since taking over for John Calipari, who left for Arkansas in early April. A former Kentucky captain and national champion in 1996, Pope brings a modern offensive philosophy and player-focused approach that has already resonated with players and fans alike.

Pope’s system emphasizes floor spacing, ball movement, and high-percentage looks — ideal for a player like Oweh, who thrives on slashing and transition play. Perhaps more importantly, Pope has made it a point to retain and re-recruit Kentucky’s key contributors.

Bringing back Oweh — arguably the most valuable returnee — is a massive early win in Pope’s tenure.

Kentucky’s roster is rapidly taking shape, and Oweh’s return solidifies them as a top-10 preseason team.

Here’s a projected starting five for next season:

• G: Jaland Lowe (Transfer from Pitt – combo guard)
• G: Otega Oweh (Senior – two-way leader)
• F: Kam Williams (Transfer from Tulane – stretch forward)
• F: Amari Williams (Returning big – defensive anchor)
• C: Brandon Garrison (Transfer from Oklahoma State – rim protector)

With a bench featuring talented guards like Denzel Aberdeen (Florida transfer) and sharp-shooter Trent Noah, Kentucky has both depth and experience — something that has often been missing in recent years due to the reliance on one-and-done freshmen.

In short: This is a veteran-laden team with real Final Four potential.

The expectations will be sky-high.

Now entering what could be his final season of college basketball, Oweh will be viewed as a leader — not just in the locker room, but across college basketball. He’ll be on multiple award watchlists, expected to produce on both ends, and will carry the weight of being Kentucky’s face during the transition from one era to the next.

He’s also expected to work this summer with trainers to improve his shooting mechanics and lateral quickness. A strong non-conference schedule — which will reportedly include games against Duke, Baylor, and Gonzaga — provides Oweh with a perfect stage to prove he belongs among the game’s elite.

Wildcats fans were quick to celebrate the announcement on social media.

“Run it back, Otega!! This is the energy we need. #BBN,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Others praised Oweh’s loyalty and maturity in making a career-oriented decision, noting that many players in similar situations rush to the pros too early.

There’s a palpable sense of renewed hope in Lexington — not just because Oweh is coming back, but because of what it symbolizes: stability, maturity, and a real chance to chase banner No. 9.

In a college basketball world increasingly defined by transfers, NIL deals, and early exits, Otega Oweh’s decision to return to Kentucky is not only refreshing — it’s smart.

He has positioned himself for a monster senior season, is poised to improve his NBA outlook, and has given Kentucky one of the most important gifts a fanbase can receive in the offseason: belief.

With Oweh leading the charge, expect Kentucky to be right in the thick of the national title race in 2025–26.