Otega Oweh Taking His Time, But Return to Kentucky Appears Likely

Otega Oweh is one of several college basketball players facing a pivotal decision this spring: stay in the 2025 NBA Draft or return to school. While the 6-foot-4 guard has kept the door open for both options, the momentum appears to be shifting toward a return to Kentucky for his senior season.

Speaking to ESPN at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Oweh acknowledged the importance of making the right long-term decision. 

“The main thing for me is just finding the best situation,” Oweh said. “Obviously, my goal is to play in the NBA. If I go through this whole process and I’m getting great feedback and I can go all the way, then I’ll do that, 100 percent. But either situation I’m in, it’s a great situation. I just got to thank God for it. I’ve got a good situation back at Kentucky if I do choose to go back.”

Oweh is participating in the combine and attending private workouts in hopes of earning first-round consideration. According to 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein, that’s the benchmark Oweh is aiming for. “He believes he’s a first-round pick, but he made it clear that’s the feedback he’s looking for before staying in the draft,” Finkelstein said. “Frankly, I think he’s going back to Kentucky, and I think he has a chance to play his way into the first round with another big year.”

After transferring from Oklahoma last offseason, Oweh emerged as a breakout performer under first-year Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. Known for his elite physicality and defensive prowess, Oweh showed significant offensive growth in Lexington — becoming one of the team’s most complete players.

Pope praised Oweh’s physicality earlier this spring, highlighting his ability to impact both ends of the floor. 

“Otega’s physicality is elite,” Pope said. “It shows up in contact, his explosiveness, his first step, and how he guards on and off the ball. In those ways, he’s as good as you’re going to find.”

Analysts believe Oweh is primed for a “year two jump,” much like Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., who went through a similar process at the combine last year, returned to school, and saw his stock rise significantly.

If Oweh returns, he’ll likely be one of the foundational pieces for a Kentucky team looking to bounce back into national contention. With another strong season, the NBA won’t be a dream — it’ll be a certainty.