Kentucky’s Otega Oweh Faced a Difficult NBA Draft Withdrawal Deadline Decision as NIL Deals Complicated His College Basketball Future

Otega Oweh didn’t need to look far for examples of how name, image and likeness (NIL) has forever changed college basketball. A quick scroll through his phone could show him top players turning down NBA aspirations for seven-figure college paydays. It’s a new world, one where the decision to stay or go is no longer just about pro readiness or long-term potential—it’s about whether the immediate value of college stardom outweighs the uncertain road of the NBA.

For Oweh, the Kentucky guard with legitimate next-level tools and budding stardom, the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline wasn’t just a date—it was a fork in the road. The kind that challenges athletes not just physically but mentally, emotionally and financially.

Having declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, Oweh spent the early spring navigating a flurry of workouts, interviews and feedback sessions. The word from scouts was promising: he was a versatile defender, a high-energy wing with upside as a slasher and finisher. But there were questions—his perimeter shooting consistency, his playmaking under pressure, and whether he could carve out a role in a loaded draft class filled with wings who were more polished.

Then came the offers. NIL money, the kind that didn’t exist just a few years ago, began entering the equation. Kentucky’s robust collective support and Oweh’s rising profile made him a prime candidate for one of the most lucrative return packages in college basketball. Industry insiders pegged his potential earnings at over $500,000, and some suggested it could exceed $750,000 with the right endorsement deals and appearances lined up.

That changed everything.

Oweh, a 6-foot-5 guard who transferred to Kentucky after two seasons at Oklahoma, had carved out a key role for the Wildcats under new head coach Mark Pope. His athleticism was undeniable, and his defensive presence often shifted the tone of games. Kentucky’s fan base embraced him quickly, drawn to his motor, his heart and his flashes of brilliance in big moments.

But he was also smart. He knew a second-round NBA pick, or even going undrafted and trying to claw through the G League, came with no guarantees. The path to a stable pro career is a grind, and in 2025, that grind often pays less than staying in school does—especially for players like Oweh, who are just starting to fully blossom.

As the May 29 deadline approached, Oweh had to weigh not just basketball development, but security, visibility and timing. On one hand, returning to Kentucky for another year could raise his draft stock immensely. Mark Pope’s system, with its emphasis on spacing and transition offense, was built to showcase Oweh’s strengths. Another season under Pope, with an upgraded supporting cast and a reloaded Wildcats roster, could put Oweh in the national spotlight in a way he hadn’t experienced yet.

On the other hand, the NBA was right there. So close he could taste it.

The pre-draft process confirmed that teams were intrigued. A few general managers had even expressed that with a strong summer, he could work his way into the late first round. That meant guaranteed money. That meant a foot in the door of the world’s best league. That meant no looking back.

But it also meant betting everything on a few months of progress—and accepting the risk that if things didn’t break right, he might not hear his name called at all.

And so, the NIL offers grew in importance.

In an era where players have more leverage than ever before, Oweh found himself in a position where he wasn’t just a basketball player—he was a brand, a commodity, an investment opportunity. Collectives affiliated with Kentucky boosters, as well as outside sponsors, laid out plans for social media partnerships, community engagements, and apparel tie-ins that would elevate Oweh’s public profile while filling his bank account.

It wasn’t just about money. It was about value.

Could another year at Kentucky boost Oweh into the lottery? Maybe. Could he become the face of a resurgent program and a fan favorite across the SEC? Absolutely. But it required patience, discipline, and the willingness to delay the NBA dream just a little longer.

The decision wasn’t made in a vacuum. Oweh leaned on his family, his mentors, and his coaching staff. Pope, who had been transparent and supportive throughout, laid out a vision for Oweh’s role next season—one where he’d be a focal point on both ends of the floor, a leader in the locker room and a potential All-American candidate.

Oweh’s brother, Odafe Oweh, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL, also played a role. The Oweh family understands professional sports. They understand what it takes to succeed at the next level—and what’s needed before you get there.

In the end, the decision wasn’t so much about fear or hesitation. It was about strategy.

By withdrawing from the NBA Draft before the deadline, Oweh signaled that he believes in his upward trajectory. He knows the league isn’t going anywhere. But his window to maximize his college profile, and the earnings that come with it, is right now.

And so, he chose to return to Kentucky.

The implications for the Wildcats are massive. Oweh gives Pope an elite athlete on the perimeter who can defend multiple positions, slash to the rim, and energize the crowd. He’s a known commodity now, a leader in the locker room, and a threat to opposing teams every time he steps on the court.

His return also signals something bigger: that Kentucky can still be a destination for top-tier talent even in the era of the transfer portal and NIL free agency. Pope has shown he can recruit and retain. And Oweh’s decision to come back, despite being close to fulfilling his pro dream, speaks volumes about the culture being built in Lexington.

Of course, the pressure will rise. Oweh will be expected to not only perform, but to lead. With the spotlight brighter and the stakes higher, every game will be a test—not just of skill, but of resolve.

But those are the kind of challenges Oweh embraces. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, with a determination that reflects the journey he’s been on. From a raw athlete at Oklahoma to a breakout player at Kentucky, he’s evolved rapidly. And now, with the resources of NIL, the guidance of a coach who believes in him, and the support of a fan base that’s all in, he has everything he needs to take the next step.

It may not have been the path he imagined a few years ago. But it’s the right one.

The NBA can wait.

For now, Otega Oweh is betting on himself. Again. And he’s doing it on his terms.