The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball program received a significant boost as junior guard Otega Oweh announced his decision to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to school for his senior season. The announcement, confirmed on May 28, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats, who will retain their leading scorer from the previous season.

Oweh was instrumental to Kentucky's performance in the past season, averaging a team-high 16.2 points per game. He also led the team with 1.6 steals per game and contributed 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest, while shooting 35.5 percent from three-point range. His impressive campaign earned him a spot on the All-SEC Second Team. Oweh's decision to return came after reportedly receiving positive feedback from NBA scouts during the draft process, including a notable showing at the NBA Draft Combine.

Coach Mark Pope, who had to significantly rebuild Kentucky's roster in the previous offseason after several players followed former coach John Calipari to Arkansas, will greatly benefit from Oweh's return. The team is losing at least six other players who have no remaining eligibility, including key scorers like Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea, Lamont Butler, Amari Williams, and Andrew Carr. Oweh's presence provides a core piece for Pope to build around as he integrates new transfers and recruits.

With Oweh back, Kentucky boasts a potential First-Team All-American and SEC Player ofтhe Year candidate. He is expected to be a cornerstone in a revamped lineup that could feature new talents like Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe at point guard, Tulane transfer Kam Williams at small forward, and promising recruits Jayden Quaintance and Brandon Garrison in the frontcourt. Despite the influx of talent, including recruit Jasper Johnson, Oweh's starting role as shooting guard seems secure, though competition for minutes will be high. This depth is a positive challenge for Coach Pope as he molds the team for the upcoming season.

Oweh's previous season was highlighted by several standout performances. He started all 36 games and notably, in Kentucky's Round of 64 win over Troy in the NCAA Tournament, he recorded 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals. This stat line made him the first Kentucky player since Walter McCarty in 1996 to achieve such numbers in an NCAA Tournament game. He also had 13 games with 20 or more points, including a career-high 28 points and a game-winning shot against Oklahoma.

Oweh expressed his enthusiasm for returning on Instagram, stating, "This year exceeded all my expectations. Through all the highs and the lows, I found a family in Kentucky forever. So let’s run it back: I’m staying home." His return not only strengthens Kentucky's prospects for the next season but also allows Oweh to further develop his game and potentially establish himself as a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.