To the incredible fans who make up the Big Blue Nation — having the chance to play the sport I love every single day, all while knowing I have your unwavering support, along with that of my family and closest friends, has been nothing short of a blessing. Representing Kentucky on the court, wearing that jersey, and feeling the energy you bring to every game has made my college basketball experience a dream come true. The journey so far has been filled with unforgettable moments, personal growth, and the honor of competing at the highest level in college athletics. With that in mind, I want to share an important step I’m taking in my basketball career: I’ve officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft — while still keeping the door open to return, by maintaining my NCAA eligibility.
This announcement from Kentucky Wildcats junior guard Otega Oweh came on Tuesday, signaling what could be yet another major change for a Wildcats program that has already seen substantial roster turnover in recent years. Oweh’s decision adds a new layer of uncertainty to Kentucky’s outlook for next season, especially following a year of significant transformation under new head coach Mark Pope.
Oweh emerged as a crucial player for the Wildcats during the 2024-25 season. As the team’s leading scorer, he averaged an impressive 16.2 points per game. In addition to his offensive contributions, he was a major presence on the defensive end as well, recording a team-best 1.6 steals per game. His well-rounded performance throughout the season earned him a well-deserved spot on the All-SEC Second Team — a testament to the impact he had on both ends of the court.
Oweh’s strong individual season comes at a time when Kentucky is bracing for the loss of several other core contributors. A total of six players from the current roster are expected to leave, having exhausted their eligibility. That list includes key names like Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea, Lamont Butler, Amari Williams, and Andrew Carr — all of whom, like Oweh, averaged double-digit scoring figures this past season. Their departures mark a significant turnover for the Wildcats and add weight to the question of whether Oweh will return.
It’s important to note that Oweh’s declaration for the draft does not mean he’s leaving for good — not yet, at least. NCAA rules allow underclassmen to explore the NBA Draft process while maintaining their eligibility, so long as they do not sign with an agent or accept benefits that would compromise their amateur status. Oweh now has until June 15 to decide whether to stay in the draft or withdraw and return to Lexington for another year.
For Kentucky fans, that decision can’t come soon enough. The idea of losing another high-impact player — especially one who played such a vital role on both offense and defense — is understandably nerve-wracking. Given the team’s current situation, with so many experienced players on their way out and a roster already in flux, Oweh’s potential return would provide a much-needed anchor for Coach Pope heading into next season.
Mark Pope, who took over as head coach after John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas, was tasked with the enormous challenge of reconstructing a Kentucky team that had been gutted by player exits and transfers. Despite that, Pope led the Wildcats to a historic season — one that included a memorable run to the Sweet 16. Remarkably, the team became the first in NCAA men’s basketball history to reach that round of the tournament without having a single player who had scored a point for the team the previous year. That unprecedented feat is a testament to Pope’s coaching ability and the resilience of the players he brought in, including Oweh.
Still, the reality of modern college basketball means that rosters are often in constant flux, with players transferring, graduating, or turning pro at a rapid pace. Kentucky is no exception. With Oweh’s future uncertain, the Wildcats find themselves at a crossroads yet again. Will he decide to take the leap and pursue his professional dreams this summer? Or will he determine that another year of seasoning in the SEC — potentially boosting his draft stock even further — is the wiser move?
For Oweh, the decision is likely to come down to his performance in pre-draft evaluations, feedback from scouts, and his own readiness to make the jump to the NBA. Should he receive assurances that he’s in strong position to be drafted, particularly in the first or early second round, the allure of a professional career may prove too strong to pass up. On the other hand, if there’s a belief that one more dominant college season could catapult him into the lottery, returning for a senior year might become the more strategic option.
In the meantime, Big Blue Nation is left hoping for the best and preparing for any outcome. Oweh’s impact on the program has already been significant, but his return could solidify Kentucky as a force to be reckoned with once again. Either way, the guard has shown nothing but appreciation for the fans and the opportunity to play at one of the sport’s most storied programs.
As his message made clear, Oweh remains grateful for everything the University of Kentucky and its passionate fan base have provided him. And while the decision ahead won’t be an easy one, he’s approaching it with maturity, humility, and a full understanding of what it means to wear the Kentucky blue.
Whether he ultimately stays or goes, Oweh’s legacy in Lexington is already written in bold — and Big Blue Nation will be watching closely as the next chapter of his journey unfolds.
