As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, a number of college basketball players are weighing their options and considering whether to declare for the draft or return to school for another year. Among these players is Otega Oweh, a standout forward from the University of Kentucky, who has recently announced that he is testing the NBA Draft waters while also keeping the door open for a return to Lexington. This decision has sparked a great deal of conversation, both within the college basketball world and among NBA scouts, as Oweh’s potential as an NBA prospect is widely recognized.
In this article, we will explore Otega Oweh’s decision to test the NBA Draft waters, his journey at Kentucky, the factors he must weigh as he decides between the professional ranks and a return to school, and the potential impact of his decision on both his career and the Kentucky Wildcats’ upcoming season.
Otega Oweh’s Background and Career at Kentucky
Before diving into the implications of Oweh’s decision, it is important to understand the context of his career at Kentucky. Oweh, a 6’8″ forward, made an immediate impact when he joined the Wildcats. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and strong defensive presence, he quickly became a key contributor to the team’s success. During his first season at Kentucky, Oweh averaged 12.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor.
Oweh’s blend of size, length, and mobility has made him a sought-after prospect for NBA teams, especially those in need of a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and contribute as a scorer. His performance at Kentucky has drawn comparisons to some of the most well-rounded forwards in the NBA, and many scouts have expressed interest in his potential to be a top-tier player at the next level.
However, while Oweh’s raw talent is undeniable, there are areas of his game that still need refinement. His shooting consistency, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a point of emphasis for both Kentucky’s coaching staff and NBA scouts. Additionally, while Oweh has shown flashes of offensive creativity, he has yet to fully develop a polished offensive game that can translate immediately to the NBA. These are the types of challenges that Oweh must weigh as he evaluates whether to declare for the draft or return to Kentucky for another year.
The NBA Draft Process: A Risk and a Reward
The decision to declare for the NBA Draft is never an easy one, especially for players like Otega Oweh, who have the potential to be selected but may not yet be guaranteed a high pick. For many players, testing the waters of the NBA Draft allows them to gauge their stock and receive valuable feedback from NBA teams without officially forfeiting their eligibility to return to school. Oweh’s decision to test the draft waters is a smart move in this regard, as it gives him an opportunity to receive detailed evaluations from NBA scouts and decision-makers while still keeping his options open.
The process of declaring for the draft and testing the waters involves submitting paperwork to the NBA, which grants players access to information about where they may be projected to land in the draft. Players who test the waters can attend the NBA Combine, participate in interviews with teams, and even go through individual workouts, all while retaining the option to withdraw from the draft if they feel that they are not ready for the professional ranks. The deadline to withdraw from the draft is typically in mid-June, giving players like Oweh a window of time to assess their options before making a final decision.
For Oweh, testing the NBA Draft waters could provide valuable insight into his standing among NBA teams. His performance during the 2024-2025 college basketball season, as well as his workouts and interviews with teams, will play a significant role in determining whether he receives a draft grade that convinces him to stay in the process or return to Kentucky for another year.
Why Oweh’s Decision Matters
Otega Oweh’s decision to test the NBA Draft waters holds significance not only for his own career but also for the future of the Kentucky Wildcats. The Wildcats are coming off a strong season in which they made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and with head coach John Calipari’s reputation for developing NBA talent, Kentucky is consistently one of the top programs in college basketball. However, the Wildcats will need to replace key players from the previous season, and Oweh could be a central piece to their success in the 2025-2026 campaign if he decides to return.
Should Oweh choose to return to Kentucky, he would provide the Wildcats with a versatile forward who can contribute in multiple ways. His ability to defend at a high level and his potential as an offensive threat would make him a valuable asset for Calipari’s system. With another year to develop his game, Oweh could refine his shooting and offensive skills, boosting his draft stock for the 2026 NBA Draft. A strong season at Kentucky could position Oweh as a top-tier prospect, potentially moving him into the lottery conversation.
On the other hand, if Oweh decides to stay in the NBA Draft, Kentucky will have to adjust to his departure and potentially find a replacement for his production. The Wildcats have a strong recruiting class coming in, but losing Oweh would leave a significant hole in their frontcourt. Kentucky would still have the talent to compete at a high level, but Oweh’s decision is critical for the team’s outlook for the next season.
Evaluating the NBA Landscape for Oweh
As Oweh evaluates his future, it is important to consider the current state of the NBA and how his skill set aligns with the league’s evolving demands. In recent years, the NBA has placed a greater emphasis on positionless basketball, with players like Oweh who are capable of defending multiple positions and contributing as versatile forwards becoming increasingly valuable. His combination of length, athleticism, and defensive ability is highly coveted in today’s NBA, and teams looking to add a multi-dimensional player may see him as a strong fit.
However, as previously mentioned, Oweh’s offensive game is still a work in progress. While he has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways, he has not yet developed a reliable three-point shot or a polished offensive game that can carry him in the NBA. As a result, he may not be viewed as a top pick in the upcoming draft, with some projections suggesting that he could fall into the late first round or early second round. This uncertainty could factor into his decision-making process, as returning to Kentucky for another year would give him the chance to improve his offensive skills and increase his chances of being selected higher in the draft.
The Importance of Feedback from NBA Teams
One of the key aspects of the process for players like Oweh is the feedback they receive from NBA teams. Through workouts, interviews, and individual evaluations, Oweh will have the opportunity to gain insight into where he stands in the eyes of NBA decision-makers. Teams will evaluate his potential not just based on his college production but also on his upside, character, and fit within their system.
If Oweh receives positive feedback from NBA teams, he may be encouraged to declare for the draft and pursue his professional career. If the feedback is more mixed, or if teams express concerns about his offensive development, he may choose to return to Kentucky in order to further refine his game and bolster his draft stock for the following year. In either case, the process of testing the draft waters will provide Oweh with valuable information to guide his decision.
Otega Oweh’s decision to test the NBA Draft waters while leaving the door open for a return to Kentucky is a critical juncture in his career. As a highly talented forward with significant potential, Oweh’s decision will have far-reaching implications not only for his own future but also for the Kentucky Wildcats’ prospects in the coming season. Whether he chooses to pursue his NBA dreams or return to college for another year, Oweh’s journey will be closely watched by both NBA teams and college basketball fans alike.
For now, Oweh’s decision remains up in the air, and the basketball world will eagerly await his next move. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that Oweh’s future in the sport is bright, and his journey will continue to be one of the most fascinating storylines of the 2025 NBA Draft process.
