Kentucky Star Otega Oweh Works Out for NBA Team Holding Four First-Round Picks as Draft Interest Intensifies Nationwide
Otega Oweh is putting himself in prime position to rise on NBA Draft boards, and the basketball world is watching closely. Today, the Kentucky Wildcats standout is working out for an NBA franchise that owns four first-round picks in the upcoming draft, and the implications could be massive—for both Oweh and whichever team is savvy enough to secure his services.
It’s a pivotal moment for Oweh, who recently declared for the NBA Draft while leaving the door open for a potential return to college basketball. This workout, however, might tilt the scale in favor of remaining in the draft. With a chance to show his talent to a team flush with early picks, Oweh has a real opportunity to solidify his stock as a first-rounder or higher. The fact that this team is giving him a workout shows they see potential beyond what the general public might perceive from a player who only spent one season at Kentucky.
A dynamic wing with athleticism, two-way ability, and untapped offensive upside, Oweh arrived in Lexington as a transfer from Oklahoma with hopes of taking his game to another level—and he delivered. He quickly became one of the most consistent and versatile pieces for a Kentucky team that had its share of highs and lows during the 2024–25 campaign. Oweh brought defensive intensity, slashing ability, and leadership to the Wildcats, establishing himself as a crucial cog in the team’s system under first-year head coach Mark Pope.
Now, the former Kentucky star finds himself on the radar of a team that has four opportunities to shape the future of its franchise. While the organization hasn’t been publicly named yet, speculation points to teams like the San Antonio Spurs or the Portland Trail Blazers—both of which are projected to have multiple first-round picks and are in different stages of building out their rosters. For a player like Oweh, who brings a blend of maturity and upside, landing with a team like that could be an ideal scenario.
His workout comes at a crucial time in the pre-draft process. With the NBA Draft Combine and individual team interviews now in full swing, prospects are jockeying for position, trying to separate themselves from the pack. For Oweh, who may not yet be a household name nationally, today’s opportunity is a potential game-changer. It allows him to showcase the very things that scouts and general managers covet most: toughness, coachability, explosiveness, and a frame that’s NBA-ready.
At 6-foot-5 and roughly 210 pounds, Oweh has the physical tools to defend multiple positions at the professional level. That’s no small thing in today’s NBA, where versatility is more valuable than ever. Teams are constantly on the lookout for wings who can switch on defense, create their own shot, and attack the rim with purpose—and Oweh checks all those boxes. Add in a steadily improving jumper and high motor, and it’s no wonder NBA front offices are circling his name.
What separates Oweh from many other draft hopefuls, however, is his work ethic and willingness to do the little things. While other players chase highlight-reel plays or attempt to dazzle with flashy skill sets, Oweh has carved out his identity through defense, hustle, and smart basketball. He’s the type of player who steps into a gym and immediately gives a team a boost—whether it’s through locking down an opposing scorer, diving for a loose ball, or making the extra pass. That kind of DNA is highly sought-after in the NBA, especially for franchises seeking to establish a culture or reinforce one already in place.
Another factor working in Oweh’s favor is the trajectory of his development. His single season at Kentucky offered glimpses of what he could become with the right coaching and a defined role. He averaged 11.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while also ranking among team leaders in steals and deflections. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Oweh routinely drew the toughest defensive assignments, often neutralizing top scorers across the SEC with his quickness and strength. Offensively, he showed flashes of three-level scoring ability and improved significantly as the season progressed.
NBA teams love players who can contribute right away but also have room to grow, and Oweh fits that mold perfectly. He’s still just scratching the surface of what he can be. His handle can tighten up, his shot mechanics can be polished, and his feel for the pro game will evolve with experience—but the foundation is already there. That’s why today’s workout is so important. It gives Oweh the chance to prove he’s not just a high-energy glue guy, but a legitimate NBA contributor who can develop into a long-term piece for a forward-thinking franchise.
For Kentucky fans, today’s development comes with mixed emotions. While many hoped Oweh would return to Lexington for another season to anchor what’s shaping up to be an intriguing roster under Pope, this workout may be the writing on the wall. If a team with four first-round picks is interested enough to give him an individual audition, it likely means they’re considering using one of those picks on him—or at least promising him a pathway onto the roster via a strong second-round selection or two-way contract.
Of course, the decision ultimately rests with Oweh. He still has the option to withdraw from the draft before the NCAA’s deadline and return to Kentucky, where he would be a focal point and likely team captain. He’d have the opportunity to play more minutes, shoulder a heavier scoring load, and potentially elevate himself into lottery consideration with a standout year. But the pull of the NBA—especially with teams showing serious interest—can be hard to resist, and understandably so.
Every year, there are players who rise late in the pre-draft process, catching teams’ eyes through workouts, interviews, and behind-the-scenes intel. Oweh appears to be trending in that direction. He might not yet have the buzz of some of the top prospects in this year’s class, but his profile is growing rapidly. With a strong showing today, he could easily earn first-round consideration, especially from a team that has multiple picks and can afford to take a swing on a high-upside, high-character player like him.
What makes Oweh even more intriguing is how well his personality meshes with what teams are looking for. Coaches and front offices rave about his maturity, professionalism, and team-first mentality. He’s been described by those around the Kentucky program as one of the hardest workers on the roster, a true gym rat who lives and breathes the game. In an era where teams are investing millions in player development, having someone like Oweh—who already embraces the grind—makes that investment feel far less risky.
As the draft inches closer, all eyes will be on how Oweh navigates the next few weeks. Will this workout lead to more private sessions with other NBA teams? Will he rise up mock draft boards the way some insiders now expect? And perhaps most importantly, will today’s performance be the decisive moment that pushes him fully into the professional ranks?
For now, what’s clear is that Oweh is in control of his own narrative. He’s earned this opportunity through years of hard work, countless hours in the gym, and a season at Kentucky that reminded everyone what a true two-way player looks like. Whether or not he ends up being a first-round pick, it’s obvious that teams are buying into his potential—and that alone speaks volumes.
In a draft class where uncertainty looms and surefire stars are scarce, a player like Oweh becomes even more valuable. He may not be the flashiest name, but he’s the kind of player who helps winning teams win more—and rebuilders build the right way. His story isn’t just about talent. It’s about preparation, perseverance, and the power of betting on yourself.
Today could mark the start of something special. If this workout goes as expected, don’t be surprised if Otega Oweh hears his name called earlier than most imagined on draft night. And if that happens, it will be a testament to the work he’s put in, the journey he’s taken, and the opportunity he seized when it mattered most.
