Breaking: Otega Oweh has announced that he will not be participating in the 2025 NBA Draft and will be returning to Lexington for another season.

In a surprising decision that has stirred reactions across the college basketball world, Kentucky guard Otega Oweh announced on Monday that he will not declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. Instead, the 6-foot-5 junior will return to Lexington for another season with the Wildcats, bolstering a team that already has high expectations heading into the 2025–26 campaign.

The news was made public via Oweh’s social media channels in a heartfelt message to Big Blue Nation. “After careful consideration, discussions with my family and coaches, and prayerful reflection, I’ve decided to return to the University of Kentucky for one more season,” Oweh wrote. “I’m not done here. We’ve got more work to do.”

Oweh’s return is monumental for head coach Mark Pope, who now retains one of the most explosive and physically gifted guards in the country. While the NBA was calling—with Oweh projected as a potential second-round pick due to his athleticism and defensive prowess—the New Jersey native chose to bet on himself and his Kentucky family.

For Kentucky, the decision swings the balance of power in the SEC. Oweh was a driving force behind the Wildcats’ run to the Elite Eight last season, showcasing a blend of elite perimeter defense, slashing ability, and improving shot mechanics. His return stabilizes the backcourt and gives Pope a veteran anchor to build around.

“Getting Otega back is a game-changer,” Pope said in a statement. “He’s a relentless competitor, a leader in the locker room, and someone who embodies what it means to be a Wildcat. We’re building something special, and Otega is at the heart of it.”

Oweh averaged 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game last season while shooting 46.7% from the field. Though his three-point percentage hovered around 30%, scouts took notice of his evolving mechanics and potential upside. On the defensive end, Oweh was often assigned to the opposition’s top scorer, and he embraced that challenge with a ferocity that earned respect from across the SEC.

Many draft analysts pegged him as a classic “upside swing” in the second round, with a ceiling comparable to defensive-minded wings like Bruce Brown or Josh Okogie. His combine invite seemed imminent, and teams were reportedly intrigued by his frame, athleticism, and ability to defend multiple positions.

But sources close to Oweh say that the guard wasn’t content with being a fringe pick.

“He wants to be a first-rounder. He wants to win a national title. That’s what it came down to,” a family member told The Athletic. “He’s not chasing a paycheck—he’s chasing greatness.”

The Wildcats’ 2024–25 season ended in heartbreak with a narrow loss to Kansas in the Elite Eight, a game where Oweh scored 19 points and logged 38 minutes in a gritty performance. While Kentucky exceeded expectations last season, the unfinished business loomed large for Oweh and his teammates.

By returning, Oweh joins an increasingly rare group of high-profile players who opt to delay NBA dreams for a deeper college legacy. With a year of leadership under his belt, Oweh is now poised to be the face of a Wildcats team primed for a Final Four push.

Kentucky fans erupted on social media with reactions ranging from surprise to jubilation. The phrase “We’re back” trended on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Oweh’s announcement, a testament to his popularity and the belief that the Wildcats’ title window just reopened.

Oweh’s return comes amid a flurry of offseason activity for Mark Pope, who is building a roster that blends youth, experience, and versatility. With top-40 recruits on the way and multiple players returning from last year’s rotation, Kentucky’s backcourt is now a serious strength.

Rising sophomore guard Travis Perry, a homegrown Kentucky product, will likely share minutes with Oweh and continue his development in a complementary role. Meanwhile, transfer additions and returning forwards like Aaron Bradshaw and Adou Thiero add size, rim protection, and shooting.

“Otega’s return gives us identity,” Pope said. “When he’s on the floor, you feel his presence. He guards 94 feet, he gets downhill with power, and he’s the ultimate competitor. Guys like that win championships.”

While some may question the risk of bypassing the draft, the potential benefits are clear. Oweh can improve his draft stock with a standout season, and he’ll likely have the ball in his hands more often in 2025–26. His ability to expand his offensive arsenal—particularly as a shot creator and playmaker—will be under the microscope for NBA scouts.

Returning also gives Oweh the chance to earn a significant NIL package. Kentucky’s infrastructure under Pope and AD Mitch Barnhart is one of the most lucrative in college sports, and Oweh is expected to be among the most marketable returning players in the country.

In short, he doesn’t need the NBA right now—and the NBA might thank him for that next year.

One of the key reasons behind Oweh’s decision is the development he’s experienced under Coach Pope, who took over the program just last year but has already left his mark.

Under Pope’s system, Oweh evolved from an energy guy off the bench into a go-to scorer and vocal leader. Pope’s emphasis on spacing, high-octane transition offense, and relentless defense suited Oweh’s style perfectly.

“I believe in Coach Pope’s vision,” Oweh said. “He’s building something bigger than basketball here, and I want to be part of that growth. We’re not just trying to win games—we’re trying to leave a legacy.”

With another offseason under Pope’s tutelage, Oweh is expected to take a leap as a shot-creator and off-ball shooter. If he can push his three-point percentage above 35% and showcase consistent decision-making as a secondary ball-handler, he’ll enter next year’s draft as a lock for the first round.

The college basketball world took immediate notice of Oweh’s announcement. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas called it “a rare and refreshing decision that shows the value of legacy and long-term thinking.”

Former Kentucky legend and NBA guard Tyrese Maxey tweeted, “That’s a grown-man move. Big respect, O!” Meanwhile, NBA scouts acknowledged that Oweh could set a blueprint for other fringe draft hopefuls.

“Sometimes the smart play is to come back and dominate,” one Western Conference scout told The Ringer. “This isn’t a kid who’s going to fade. He’s hungry. He’ll come back and kill it.”

With Oweh back in the fold, Kentucky now returns one of the most well-rounded, experienced rosters in the country. Combined with elite-level freshmen and a coaching staff known for development and in-game adjustments, the Wildcats are suddenly looking like legitimate Final Four contenders.

The preseason rankings are expected to shift, with Kentucky now projected as a top-10 team. Oweh’s leadership and defensive presence make the Wildcats one of the most dangerous two-way squads in college hoops.

More importantly, Oweh’s decision sets a tone of belief and unity in Lexington—a powerful message in the modern era of transfers and one-and-dones.

“We’ve got a chance to do something special,” Oweh concluded in his announcement. “I’m all in. Let’s chase greatness together.”

In an era where college stars often chase professional dreams at the earliest opportunity, Otega Oweh’s return to Kentucky stands out as a bold, legacy-defining move. It speaks volumes about his character, confidence, and loyalty to the program. And for the Wildcats, it means everything.

The 2025–26 season is already shaping up to be one to remember in Lexington. Thanks to Oweh’s leadership, talent, and unwavering belief in unfinished business, Big Blue Nation can dare to dream once again.