Could Kentucky’s Otega Oweh Make History by Winning the Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year Award This Season?
The college basketball world has always been a breeding ground for breakout stars and potential legends, and as the 2025 season approaches, one name generating considerable buzz is Kentucky Wildcats standout Otega Oweh. Known for his explosive athleticism, two-way dominance, and rapidly improving offensive arsenal, Oweh is poised for a breakout campaign that could place him squarely in the conversation for the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. With Kentucky reloaded and ready to contend for a national title, the stage is set for Oweh to not only lead his team but also elevate himself to the top of the individual honors list in college basketball. But can he truly rise to the occasion and win one of the most prestigious awards in the sport?
To answer this question, we need to examine a variety of factors—Oweh’s skillset, his expected role on the Kentucky roster, his statistical ceiling, team success, and how he stacks up against other top contenders in the national landscape. The Naismith Award is not just given to the most talented player, but rather to the most dominant and influential force in the sport during the season. Can Oweh become that player?
First, let’s explore Oweh’s basketball pedigree and development trajectory. Originally from New Jersey, Oweh came to Kentucky after transferring from Oklahoma, where he showed flashes of elite athleticism and defensive upside. At Oklahoma, he was often praised for his intensity and ability to guard multiple positions, but his offensive game was still in progress. Fast forward to his arrival at Kentucky, and everything about Oweh’s game appears to be blossoming. Under the guidance of Kentucky’s coaching staff and the increased exposure and resources that come with playing for one of the most storied programs in college basketball, Oweh has taken significant strides in his scoring, ball-handling, and court vision.
This season, Oweh is expected to be the focal point of Kentucky’s offense, especially with several young freshmen needing time to adjust and other veterans playing more complementary roles. With the ball in his hands more often, Oweh will have ample opportunity to fill the stat sheet. He’s already shown the ability to score at all three levels—finishing at the rim, pulling up from midrange, and connecting from beyond the arc. Additionally, his elite athleticism allows him to thrive in transition, blow by defenders, and finish with authority, making him a nightly highlight reel waiting to happen.
What truly separates Oweh from many of his peers, however, is his tenacity on the defensive end. Too often, high-scoring college players are criticized for not playing defense or exerting minimal effort when their team doesn’t have the ball. That’s not the case with Oweh. He relishes defensive assignments, frequently locking up the opposing team’s best scorer and using his quick hands and lateral movement to generate turnovers and fast breaks. His versatility allows him to switch onto guards and wings, and even battle inside when necessary. In an era where analytics and efficiency matter more than ever, Oweh’s two-way impact could prove critical in building his Naismith case.
Another significant component of Oweh’s Naismith candidacy is Kentucky’s projected success this season. Historically, the Naismith Award tends to go to players on teams that finish in the top tier of their conferences and make deep tournament runs. With John Calipari no longer at the helm and new leadership taking over the program, there is a renewed energy and structure around the team. This new regime has put a greater emphasis on team-oriented basketball, spacing, and pace—an ideal system for someone with Oweh’s skill set. Kentucky is expected to contend for an SEC title and will likely be ranked in the top 10 for most of the season. If the Wildcats live up to those expectations and Oweh is leading the charge, voters will take notice.
Additionally, we can’t ignore the media narrative and exposure that comes with playing for a blue-blood program like Kentucky. Every game Oweh plays will be under the national spotlight. Televised matchups, conference clashes, and marquee tournaments will provide Oweh the chance to showcase his skills on the biggest stages. These moments matter in award races. Just ask previous winners—how they performed in nationally relevant games often tilted the scales in their favor. If Oweh has a few signature performances—say, a 30-point outing against Tennessee or a game-winning shot versus Duke—it could significantly boost his public and media perception.
Still, it won’t be an easy path to the top. The 2025 season will feature several elite players vying for the same honor. Players like Caleb Foster at Duke, Hunter Dickinson at Kansas, and Isaiah Collier at USC will all have strong cases for the Naismith. They are high-usage stars on powerhouse programs, and some have more polished offensive games than Oweh at this stage. But what Oweh may lack in finesse or experience, he compensates with relentless energy, defensive dominance, and athleticism that can change games in an instant.
To separate himself from these contenders, Oweh will need to put up elite-level numbers. Realistically, that would mean averaging at least 18–20 points per game, pulling in 6–8 rebounds, dishing 3–4 assists, and adding 1–2 steals per game—all while maintaining high shooting percentages. If he can post those kinds of stats and lead Kentucky to a top-5 ranking and a deep NCAA Tournament run, his case would be extremely compelling.
It’s also worth noting that Oweh’s hunger and mentality set him apart. He’s not someone who shies away from the spotlight or fades in pressure moments. Reports from practices and summer workouts indicate he’s been one of the most vocal leaders and hardest workers on the team. That kind of drive is often what separates great players from legends. He’s also entering this season with something to prove—he wasn’t heavily hyped coming into college and has had to earn every opportunity. That chip on his shoulder is evident in the way he plays. Coaches love it, teammates feed off it, and voters respect it.
Another key element that may work in Oweh’s favor is the current trend in college basketball toward valuing older, more experienced players. With the transfer portal and extra COVID eligibility years, we’re seeing fewer freshmen win these major awards. Upperclassmen who have physically matured, understand the game, and can lead their teams have a distinct advantage. Oweh fits that mold perfectly. He’s physically imposing, has college experience at multiple levels, and is no longer adjusting to the speed of the college game—he’s mastering it.
The narrative also has to align for Oweh to win the Naismith. Voters need a story to latch onto. Think of recent winners like Luka Garza and Zach Edey—players who weren’t initially projected to be superstars but worked their way into becoming dominant figures. Oweh fits this mold. If he can continue to surprise people, deliver consistent performances, and help Kentucky climb to the top of the standings, he becomes the feel-good story of the season. That’s the kind of momentum that carries a player through award season.
Injuries, of course, are always a factor in any award race, and assuming health for all major contenders, Oweh will still need to outplay several other elite players. But his ability to contribute in every facet of the game gives him an edge. He doesn’t need to lead the country in scoring—his well-rounded game might be more valuable overall.
Ultimately, whether Otega Oweh wins the Naismith Player of the Year Award will come down to consistency, health, team success, and his ability to seize big moments. The talent is there. The opportunity is there. The system and exposure are both aligned in his favor. What remains to be seen is whether Oweh can put it all together over the course of an entire season and deliver the kind of sustained dominance that separates the good from the truly great.
As the season unfolds, one thing is certain—Oweh will be one of the most exciting and impactful players to watch in all of college basketball. And if he fulfills the immense promise that so many around the Kentucky program are seeing, he might just walk away with the Naismith Award in his hands and his name etched in college basketball history.
