{"id":14201,"date":"2025-05-16T09:11:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T09:11:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asport.com.ng\/?p=14201"},"modified":"2025-05-16T09:11:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T09:11:06","slug":"mark-pope-discusses-how-otega-oweh-can-reach-the-next-level","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asport.com.ng\/?p=14201","title":{"rendered":"Mark Pope discusses how Otega Oweh can reach the next level"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mark Pope Discusses How Otega Oweh Can Reach the Next Level<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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?<\/p>\n

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\u2019t just a good college player\u2014he\u2019s someone who could develop into one of the very best in the country, and possibly much more.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has every tool to become an All-American,\u201d Pope said during a recent offseason press conference. \u201cHe just hasn\u2019t fully tapped into all of it yet. That\u2019s the exciting part.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How Oweh Made the Leap in 2024-25<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before diving into Pope\u2019s blueprint for Oweh\u2019s rise, it\u2019s essential to understand the leap he made in his junior year.<\/p>\n

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\u2014leading 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\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\n

The jump in production came thanks to a green light on offense and an expanded role. Oweh\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

But Pope believes Oweh\u2019s evolution is far from complete.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s barely scratched the surface,\u201d Pope said. \u201cHe\u2019s got a next level. And I think he knows that now.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

NBA Draft Combine Feedback<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Yet despite solid numbers, Oweh was not projected in ESPN\u2019s top 59 picks\u2014highlighting the uncertain terrain he faces.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why Pope believes another year in Lexington, under a coaching staff that deeply believes in him, could be the best option.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis place is built to help guys make those final jumps,\u201d Pope said. \u201cOtega could go from a borderline pick to a lottery pick in one season.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Pope\u2019s Development Plan for Oweh<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So how exactly can Oweh get there?<\/p>\n

1. Increased Three-Point Volume<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pope\u2019s staff wants Oweh to take more threes\u2014and do so with confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis mechanics are sound. His percentage is solid,\u201d Pope noted. \u201cNow he needs to be comfortable taking six, seven, eight threes a game. That opens everything else up for him.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Oweh attempted just 2.4 threes per game last season\u2014a number Pope believes should double if he returns.<\/p>\n

2. Faster Release, Cleaner Footwork<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe margins are razor-thin in the NBA,\u201d Pope said. \u201cWe\u2019re working on tightening everything up. No wasted motion.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

3. Enhanced Playmaking<\/strong><\/p>\n

Though not known as a passer, Oweh\u2019s 1.6 assists per game showed flashes of vision. Pope wants to amplify that.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has the IQ. He sees the floor,\u201d Pope said. \u201cWe want him to make plays for others off the bounce\u2014to be more than just a scorer.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4. Continuing Defensive Mastery<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oweh was already a standout defender in 2024-25, often drawing the opponent\u2019s best wing. Pope sees him becoming an elite two-way force.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s the best defensive player in the country when he\u2019s locked in,\u201d Pope said. \u201cHe\u2019s got the body, the instincts, the mindset. He can be the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the best perimeter defender in America.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Oweh\u2019s Own Reflections<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Oweh, who spoke with reporters at the Combine, was candid about the decisions he faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a good situation at Kentucky,\u201d Oweh said. \u201cI\u2019m just trying to weigh what makes the most sense for my future.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He added that he\u2019s in regular contact with Pope and his family about the process.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoach Pope believes in me. That\u2019s been huge,\u201d Oweh said. \u201cHe sees something in me, and that makes a difference.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What His Return Would Mean for Kentucky<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If Oweh returns, he would give Kentucky a true No. 1 scoring option, leadership in the backcourt, and a defensive tone-setter. He\u2019d join a roster that includes standout returners, transfer guards like Koby Brea and Kerr Kriisa, and a top-five recruiting class.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we get Otega back,\u201d Pope said, \u201cwe can compete with anyone in the country.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

ESPN analyst Jay Bilas recently noted that Oweh could be the most important \u201cstay-or-go\u201d player in college basketball this offseason.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe changes Kentucky\u2019s ceiling. He\u2019s a 20-point-per-game guy with elite defense,\u201d Bilas said. \u201cThere\u2019s not many like him.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Building Around Oweh<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pope has made it clear: the program will be designed to elevate Oweh if he returns.<\/p>\n

They\u2019ll run sets for him on the wing. They\u2019ll feature him in pick-and-rolls. They\u2019ll let him lead.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s earned that,\u201d Pope said. \u201cWe\u2019re not guessing anymore. We\u2019ve seen it. Now we want to see it consistently, at an All-American level.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Assistant coaches have already laid out a summer training plan for Oweh\u2014should he come back\u2014including individual work with a shooting specialist, nutrition guidance to trim his body fat percentage, and agility drills aimed at enhancing his lateral quickness.<\/p>\n

The NBA Clock Is Ticking<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With the withdrawal deadline set for May 28, Oweh has less than two weeks to make a final decision.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s real temptation to stay in the draft. There are overseas options. There\u2019s the allure of pro money now rather than later.<\/p>\n

But at Kentucky, he has something rare: a program willing to revolve around him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not just asking him to return,\u201d Pope said. \u201cWe\u2019re building a runway for his takeoff.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What If He Stays in the Draft?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

But it would be a loss\u2014emotionally and strategically.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sets the tone for our locker room,\u201d Pope said. \u201cHe\u2019s a grown man. He brings it every day.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Fans, too, have rallied on social media with hashtags like #OneMoreYearOtega<\/strong> trending on X (formerly Twitter).<\/p>\n

The Decision That Could Define a Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no ceiling for him,\u201d Pope said. \u201cThat\u2019s what makes this so fun. He can be great. Truly great.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As the college basketball world waits, so does Big Blue Nation. One decision could shape the season\u2014and maybe even the legacy\u2014of both Oweh and Pope.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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