Otega Oweh Declares for NBA Draft While Keeping Kentucky Return on the Table

Otega Oweh isn’t shutting the door just yet. The talented sophomore guard has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, but with a crucial caveat—he’s maintaining his college eligibility, leaving the option wide open for a return to Kentucky next season. It’s a move that’s becoming more common among college stars, and for Oweh, it represents both ambition and calculated patience.

Coming off a season that saw him develop into a versatile, high-energy contributor in Lexington, Oweh is clearly on the radar of NBA scouts. But in a draft class loaded with guard talent, he’s choosing to gather feedback, work out for teams, and weigh his options without burning the bridge back to college basketball. For Kentucky, a program in transition under new head coach Mark Pope, the potential return of Oweh could be a key piece in building toward stability and success.

Oweh transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma prior to the 2024-25 season, bringing with him raw athleticism and a reputation as a tough on-ball defender. He arrived in Lexington as an under-the-radar addition but quickly proved he belonged on the big stage. In his sophomore year, Oweh emerged as one of Kentucky’s most reliable two-way players, showcasing improvement in his shot selection, defensive discipline, and ability to get downhill off the dribble.

While he wasn’t the team’s leading scorer, his presence was felt in almost every facet of the game. Oweh averaged solid numbers, posted respectable shooting splits, and routinely drew some of the opponent’s toughest defensive assignments. His impact wasn’t always loud—but it was consistent, and that kind of steady contribution doesn’t go unnoticed by NBA evaluators.

What makes Oweh’s decision particularly intriguing is how it aligns with the broader changes happening at Kentucky. The departure of John Calipari to Arkansas ushered in a new era in Lexington, with Pope stepping in to guide a young roster through a period of uncertainty and opportunity. Oweh’s leadership, work ethic, and experience in a power-conference environment are valuable intangibles that could prove pivotal next season, especially as the program retools and looks to define its identity under Pope’s direction.

By declaring for the draft while preserving his college eligibility, Oweh is maximizing his options in a way that makes perfect sense. He’ll have the chance to participate in the NBA Draft Combine, undergo team workouts, and receive direct feedback on his draft stock—all while maintaining the flexibility to return to school. It’s a strategy endorsed and supported by the NCAA, and one that has paid off for numerous players in recent years.

For Oweh, this is less about making a dramatic leap and more about gathering information and controlling his future. If the right opportunity arises—if a team is willing to take a chance on him in the second round, or perhaps offer a two-way contract—he may choose to keep his name in the draft. But if the consensus is that another year in college could help him polish his game, increase his exposure, and elevate his draft position, a return to Kentucky would be a win-win for both parties.

There are aspects of Oweh’s game that translate well to the NBA. His motor, defensive instincts, and physicality give him a strong foundation. He’s not afraid of contact, he plays with intensity, and he doesn’t shy away from big moments. That said, he’ll need to continue refining his perimeter shot and expanding his offensive toolkit if he wants to thrive at the next level. Decision-making, playmaking, and off-ball movement are all areas where an extra year under a new coaching staff could serve him well.

Oweh’s situation is also a reflection of how college basketball is evolving. The one-and-done era hasn’t vanished, but it has given way to more nuanced paths to the NBA. Players like Oweh aren’t rushing the process—they’re exploring it. The ability to test the waters, receive concrete feedback, and then make an informed choice is empowering for athletes, and it’s leading to smarter decisions across the board.

Should Oweh decide to return, he’d likely be a focal point in Kentucky’s 2025-26 game plan. With a blend of veterans, portal pickups, and high-level freshmen coming in, Pope’s system will need glue guys who can set the tone—players who understand both the expectations and the pressure that comes with wearing the Kentucky jersey. Oweh has already proven he can thrive in that environment, and with another offseason of development, he could evolve into one of the SEC’s most complete guards.

The potential for an expanded role is there. Under Pope, who emphasized structure, ball movement, and defensive accountability during his time at BYU, a player like Oweh could be unleashed in a more deliberate offensive scheme. His slashing ability, defensive prowess, and willingness to do the dirty work could make him a coach’s dream in a system that values versatility and toughness over flash.

And for Kentucky fans, the possibility of Oweh running it back adds another layer of intrigue to an offseason full of transition. Losing key talent to the draft and the portal is nothing new for Big Blue Nation, but retaining a battle-tested guard who already knows the SEC landscape would provide a much-needed boost. With questions surrounding incoming talent and how quickly Pope can implement his vision, keeping a player like Oweh in the fold would go a long way toward easing the pressure.

As the draft process unfolds over the next couple of months, Oweh will have several important checkpoints. His performance in team workouts, feedback from executives, and potential Combine invite will all influence his decision. But no matter what happens, he’s in a strong position. The fact that he has options—real, viable ones—is a testament to the work he’s put in since arriving on campus.

It’s also a sign of maturity. Many players jump at the chance to turn pro without fully understanding what the process entails or how prepared they truly are. Oweh is taking a methodical approach, one that could ultimately benefit both his long-term career and his current team. By leaving the door open for a return, he’s giving himself the gift of flexibility.

For now, it’s a waiting game. Kentucky fans will watch closely as the feedback comes in, hoping that the allure of another year in Lexington outweighs the promise of early pro success. Meanwhile, Pope and his staff will continue shaping their roster with one eye on the future and one hand extended, ready to welcome back a player who may just be scratching the surface of his potential.

Oweh’s journey is still unfolding. Whether it continues on the hardwood of Rupp Arena or shifts to the bright lights of the NBA, one thing is clear—he’s in control. He’s betting on himself, but not blindly. He’s testing the waters, but not diving in headfirst. In an age where so many rush to the next step, Oweh is proving that sometimes, the smartest move is simply exploring the possibilities.

Kentucky fans should appreciate that mindset, and perhaps more importantly, they should hold onto hope. Because whether Oweh ends up in an NBA locker room or back in Lexington next fall, this decision shows one undeniable truth: he’s not done growing, and he’s not done dreaming.