During his pre-draft workout with the Blazers, Otega Oweh locked in on his NBA dream: Kentucky Basketball
In the competitive world of college basketball, where players often dream of one day taking their talents to the NBA, few stories resonate more deeply than that of Otega Oweh. As the 2025 NBA Draft draws near, Oweh is on the verge of realizing a dream that has been carefully cultivated through years of hard work, dedication, and a clear vision of his future in professional basketball. Known for his imposing frame, high basketball IQ, and work ethic, Oweh is a name that has been catching the attention of scouts, coaches, and fans alike.
However, for Oweh, it wasn’t just about the next level. His journey had always been about making it to Kentucky Basketball, the program that he admired as a child and aspired to be a part of during his formative years. Now, as he prepares for the most important pre-draft workout of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, Oweh reflects on his road to this moment, the decision to declare for the NBA Draft, and how Kentucky Basketball served as the backdrop to his meteoric rise.
Growing up, Otega Oweh was captivated by the culture surrounding college basketball, especially the legacy of Kentucky Basketball. The Wildcats are known for their storied history, a breeding ground for future NBA stars. From Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns to more recent talents like Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky has served as a launchpad for some of the best players in the world. Oweh, a talented athlete from the Philadelphia area, had his sights set on this program long before his high school years.
“I remember watching Kentucky games when I was younger, seeing those guys on the court, and just thinking that one day, I want to be part of that legacy,” Oweh said. “Kentucky isn’t just a basketball program; it’s a family, a community. It’s about building something bigger than yourself, and I knew that’s the kind of environment I wanted to be in.”
Oweh’s passion for Kentucky was so intense that he kept it a secret for much of his youth, avoiding telling friends and family members that he had an unwavering desire to wear the blue and white. Instead, he focused on what he could control: improving his skills and developing his game. Despite the obvious attraction to Kentucky, Oweh recognized that to get there, he had to earn it. His talent alone wouldn’t be enough.
By the time he reached high school, Oweh had already caught the eye of local scouts. Known for his ability to score from anywhere on the floor, combined with his physicality and defensive prowess, Oweh’s game was becoming well-rounded. At each stage of his career, Oweh maintained a singular focus: making it to Kentucky. However, he also knew that this dream wouldn’t be realized without success in the college ranks.
Oweh’s high school years were marked by the typical struggles of a young athlete trying to navigate recruitment. With a promising future ahead, it wasn’t long before the top college programs began to take notice. But despite offers from several prestigious schools, Kentucky remained the pinnacle for Oweh.
When the time came for him to make his decision, Oweh didn’t hesitate. He committed to the University of Kentucky, fulfilling a dream that had begun as a child. “I just knew Kentucky was where I needed to be. It was the best place for me to grow, and they had a track record of developing players for the next level. I wanted to be a part of that,” Oweh shared with a smile.
His first season in Lexington was everything he had hoped for—and more. Under Coach John Calipari’s tutelage, Oweh quickly adapted to the speed and intensity of college basketball. The Wildcats, known for their high-pressure defense and up-tempo offense, allowed Oweh to showcase his athleticism, versatility, and leadership. Even though he wasn’t a star in his first season, Oweh knew that this was the foundation he needed to propel him forward.
Throughout his time at Kentucky, Oweh’s role grew steadily. He evolved into a dominant force on both ends of the floor, contributing to the team’s defensive schemes with his shot-blocking ability and his relentless rebounding. On offense, Oweh’s versatility became even more apparent. His ability to attack the basket, stretch the floor, and create opportunities for teammates made him an invaluable asset to the Wildcats.
Despite Kentucky’s successes during his time in college, the dream never shifted: the NBA. After declaring for the draft in 2025, Oweh knew his time at Kentucky had prepared him for this moment.
The pre-draft process is often one of the most nerve-wracking periods for any prospect, and for Oweh, it was no different. He knew that the next few months would be critical in determining where his future would take him. After declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, Oweh’s schedule filled up with workouts, meetings, and combine invitations.
The Portland Trail Blazers were among the first teams to invite Oweh to a private workout, an opportunity he was more than ready for. As the Blazers look to solidify their roster and add depth for the upcoming season, they recognized Oweh’s potential and wanted to see how his skills would translate to the NBA level. Oweh arrived in Portland with one goal in mind: to prove that he belonged.
The workout was a high-stakes affair, with Blazers coaches, general managers, and scouts scrutinizing every movement. Oweh’s strength, athleticism, and agility were on full display, as he demonstrated his ability to guard multiple positions, run the floor, and score in a variety of ways. But what impressed the Blazers’ staff the most was his composure under pressure.
“I was nervous, sure, but I kept telling myself that this is just another opportunity to show them who I am,” Oweh said. “I know what I can do, and I’ve worked my whole life to get to this point. I had to make sure I was confident and controlled. It was my dream, and it felt real.”
The workout went off without a hitch, and the Blazers left impressed with Oweh’s skill set. But as Oweh prepared to leave Portland, he reflected on what it meant to be this close to achieving his childhood dream. “Being in a Blazers uniform, standing on that court during the workout, it felt like everything was falling into place. This is the moment I’ve worked for. Kentucky helped me get here, and now it’s time to take the next step.”
With the NBA Draft approaching and Oweh’s stock rising after a solid pre-draft workout, the path to the league is within reach. As one of the most promising young players coming out of Kentucky, Oweh has the potential to make an immediate impact in the NBA. His unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him an intriguing prospect for a number of teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers.
What stands out the most about Oweh’s game is his versatility. Whether he’s anchoring a defense, driving to the basket, or spacing the floor with his shooting, Oweh can contribute in a variety of ways. His time at Kentucky also gave him the experience of playing under intense scrutiny and high-pressure moments, preparing him for the challenges of the NBA.
More importantly, his journey has been defined by a strong work ethic, a relentless commitment to his craft, and a clear vision of his future. Oweh’s growth as a player during his time in Lexington has been remarkable, but it’s his mindset that truly sets him apart. “The NBA is just the next step in a long journey,” Oweh explained. “My time at Kentucky gave me everything I needed to make this jump. Now, I just have to keep working.”
As Oweh continues to prepare for the draft and his future in the NBA, he remains grounded and focused on the road ahead. Reflecting on his time at Kentucky, Oweh’s sense of gratitude is palpable. The journey from a young boy watching Kentucky Basketball on TV to being one step away from playing in the NBA is one that few can truly relate to.
“My dream was always to be in the NBA, but it was Kentucky that gave me the platform to reach that dream,” Oweh said. “Now, I’m living it. This is the beginning of the next chapter. I’m ready to take on whatever comes next, and I know Kentucky will always be a part of my story.”
As Oweh looks forward to his NBA future, one thing is clear: his Kentucky dream may be over, but his journey to greatness is just beginning. The NBA is ready for Otega Oweh, and he is ready for the NBA.
