Brandon Garrison on Otega Oweh’s Return to Kentucky: “He’s Got a Whole ‘Nother Level He Can Reach, and We Know It”

Kentucky basketball is entering a transformative new era, and Brandon Garrison couldn’t be more excited—not just for the Wildcats as a whole, but for one teammate in particular. As head coach Mark Pope continues to reshape the identity of the program following the departure of John Calipari, there’s a quiet confidence growing in Lexington that something special is brewing. And for Garrison, the return of explosive guard Otega Oweh might just be the spark that helps it all come together.

“I was hyped when I heard he was coming back,” Garrison said with a grin. “I’ve been watching his game up close and I’m telling you—he’s got a whole ‘nother level he can reach. People haven’t even seen the full version of Otega yet.”

That’s not just teammate talk. Garrison, who transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma State, knows Oweh’s game better than most. The two Big 12 rivals faced off last season, with Garrison working in the post and Oweh showcasing his blend of athleticism and scoring on the wing for Oklahoma. Now, the duo will suit up together in Lexington, eager to prove they can elevate Kentucky back to national prominence. And if Oweh’s return proves to be the catalyst many hope it will be, then Garrison’s praise may prove prophetic.

Oweh, who tested the NBA Draft waters this offseason, ultimately decided to withdraw and return for another year of college basketball. The decision turned heads—not because Oweh didn’t have pro potential, but because so many assumed he would be gone. After averaging over 11 points per game and flashing signs of being a dominant two-way wing, Oweh had plenty of suitors. But his choice to return signaled a few key things: belief in what Pope is building, trust in his own development arc, and an understanding that his best basketball is still ahead of him.

“Sometimes you just feel like there’s more in the tank,” Garrison said. “He knows he hasn’t peaked yet. He knows he can take over games, lead a team, defend, and be that guy. You stay when you want to chase greatness. That’s what he’s doing.”

It’s easy to see what makes Oweh such an intriguing prospect. At 6-foot-5 with a strong frame, elite quickness, and a high motor, he can guard multiple positions and score in a variety of ways. He attacks the rim with authority, defends with energy, and rebounds like a player bigger than his listed size. But it’s the progress in his perimeter game and decision-making that have teammates like Garrison buzzing.

“He’s been in the gym nonstop,” Garrison said. “Working on the jumper, the handle, just being more of a complete offensive threat. He’s already hard to stop when he’s in attack mode, but now he’s adding layers to his game. You can’t just play off him anymore. And on defense, he’s a problem. He’s locking dudes up, getting in passing lanes. He’s going to be a beast this year.”

Garrison isn’t alone in his optimism. Around the Kentucky program, there’s growing confidence that Oweh’s return could be one of the most important offseason developments in the SEC. While much of the media attention has focused on Pope’s impressive portal haul—bringing in talent like Jaxson Robinson, Kerr Kriisa, and the aforementioned Garrison—the continuity and edge Oweh brings back to the roster is perhaps even more valuable.

“He brings toughness,” Garrison emphasized. “He’s vocal, he’s competitive, and he doesn’t back down. When you got a guy like that in your locker room, it sets the tone. We’re trying to win big this year. We’re not here to just compete—we’re here to make a run. And Otega’s going to be a big reason why we do.”

The 2025-26 season will look very different in Lexington, not only because of the coaching change, but because of the roster’s balance between experienced transfers and high-upside returners. In Pope’s system, which emphasizes ball movement, pace, and floor spacing, a player like Oweh could thrive. His ability to create off the dribble, finish through contact, and disrupt opposing offenses makes him a perfect fit in a system designed for versatility and pace.

For Garrison, a former McDonald’s All-American himself, teaming up with a player like Oweh is an opportunity to chase something bigger than individual success. The former Oklahoma State center was among the most coveted big men in the transfer portal and chose Kentucky over schools like Florida and North Carolina. His decision, he says, was driven by two things: a chance to grow his game under Pope’s staff, and a chance to win with teammates who match his hunger.

“Otega’s got that dog in him,” Garrison said. “That’s what I want to play with. We’re trying to be part of something new, something that brings Kentucky basketball back to where it belongs. We know people are watching to see how we handle the pressure. We embrace that.”

That hunger, that sense of urgency, has been evident in offseason workouts. Garrison says Oweh has been one of the most vocal leaders in practices and scrimmages so far, pushing teammates, holding people accountable, and raising the intensity level.

“He’s not just working on his game, he’s bringing other people along with him,” Garrison said. “He’s becoming a leader, and that’s big. It’s one thing to play hard, but it’s another to lift the people around you. That’s what he’s doing.”

For Oweh, the decision to return likely came down to more than just basketball. With NIL opportunities and a strong platform at Kentucky, the 2025-26 season offers a chance to build his brand, refine his skills, and leave a lasting legacy. For a player who wasn’t necessarily a household name nationally last year, this season could be a breakout campaign that pushes him into the NBA spotlight.

“He’s going to shock some people,” Garrison said. “They’re going to see a more complete player, a more confident player. I’ve been around pros, and I’m telling you, Otega’s got that mindset. This year is going to show that.”

As Kentucky continues to prepare for a challenging schedule that includes early tests and a loaded SEC slate, the role of experienced, motivated returners like Oweh can’t be overstated. While the new faces bring excitement and upside, it’s the returning players who provide the foundation. And with Garrison already forming a strong bond with Oweh, the chemistry between the Wildcats’ frontcourt and backcourt could be something special.

“Otega makes it easy,” Garrison said. “He knows how to play off bigs, how to cut, how to get open. When you got a guy like that who’s always moving, always aggressive, it just opens everything up. I can’t wait to get out there with him.”

Garrison’s belief in Oweh’s potential isn’t just lip service. It reflects a broader theme within Kentucky’s locker room: a shared understanding that this season is a reset, but also a renaissance. The expectations haven’t changed in Lexington—they remain sky-high—but the pathway to success will be forged by new voices, new combinations, and returning players who have something to prove.

“I’ve played against him, I’ve trained with him, and now I get to go to war with him,” Garrison said. “That’s the kind of teammate you dream of. He’s locked in, he’s motivated, and he’s ready to show the world what he’s about.”

In a Kentucky program full of potential breakout stars, don’t be surprised if Otega Oweh becomes the name that defines the Wildcats’ resurgence. And if he does, Brandon Garrison won’t be surprised at all.

“He’s just different, man,” Garrison said, shaking his head. “He’s got the tools, the mindset, and the heart. And this year? This year he’s going to put it all together. Just watch.”