Otega Oweh of Kentucky basketball declares for the NBA draft while still being eligible to attend college.

In a surprising move that has captured the attention of college basketball fans and NBA scouts alike, Otega Oweh, a talented player from the University of Kentucky, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. However, in a twist that is becoming more common among top college prospects, Oweh has managed to declare while still retaining his eligibility to return to college basketball if he chooses to withdraw from the draft process before the official deadline. This decision has sparked debate and speculation, as it opens up a series of potential scenarios for both Oweh’s future and the Kentucky Wildcats’ program.

This analysis will explore the implications of Oweh’s decision to declare for the draft, examining the impact on his personal career, Kentucky basketball, and the broader landscape of college basketball as it relates to NBA Draft eligibility and player development.

Background on Otega Oweh

Before diving into the ramifications of Oweh’s decision, it is essential to understand who he is as a player. Otega Oweh is a 6’7” forward from Baltimore, Maryland, who has played for the University of Kentucky Wildcats since the 2023-2024 college basketball season. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and solid defensive abilities, Oweh quickly became one of the standout players on Coach John Calipari’s roster.

During his time at Kentucky, Oweh developed a reputation as a strong two-way player, capable of guarding multiple positions and contributing on both ends of the floor. His skills as a rebounder, shot blocker, and transition player have garnered significant attention from NBA scouts. His ability to stretch the floor as a shooter and his overall basketball IQ are among the key factors that make him an intriguing prospect for the next level.

Despite being somewhat raw offensively when compared to other NBA hopefuls, Oweh’s physical attributes—paired with his rapid development under the guidance of Calipari and Kentucky’s esteemed basketball program—make him a high-upside prospect. By declaring for the NBA Draft, Oweh is positioning himself for an opportunity to make the jump to the professional ranks, but his decision to leave open the option of returning to college speaks to his desire for further development.

Understanding the NBA Draft Declaration Process

In the context of NCAA basketball, players are allowed to declare for the NBA Draft while still maintaining their eligibility to return to college. This system has undergone several changes in recent years, offering players more flexibility and control over their professional futures.

Under the NCAA’s current rules, players can declare for the draft but retain the option to withdraw and return to school as long as they do so by a specific deadline—typically in mid-June, after the NBA’s draft combine and team workouts have concluded. This gives players like Oweh a unique opportunity to evaluate their draft prospects, attend the combine, and participate in private workouts with NBA teams before making a final decision. If they feel that they are not likely to be selected or if they want more time to develop their skills, they can choose to return to school for another year.

Oweh’s decision to declare while maintaining his eligibility is part of a growing trend among college basketball players. With the NBA’s increasing focus on youth development, combined with the prominence of the G League and other professional opportunities, players are taking more calculated risks to ensure they are fully prepared for the next level. By testing the waters of the draft process, Oweh will have the chance to get direct feedback from NBA scouts, a critical step in determining whether he is ready for the professional ranks or if further seasoning in college basketball would benefit his long-term prospects.

The Strategic Value of Declaring for the Draft

For Oweh, declaring for the NBA Draft represents a strategic decision designed to maximize his future prospects. While many young players choose to stay in school and focus on their college careers, Oweh’s decision to declare offers a few distinct advantages:

1. Feedback from NBA Scouts: The NBA Draft process is not only about getting drafted—it is also an invaluable opportunity for young players to receive feedback from professional scouts and front offices. These insights can help Oweh understand his strengths and weaknesses as a player. For example, if NBA teams feel that he needs to improve his shooting or his decision-making, Oweh can use this feedback to guide his development. This knowledge can be crucial in helping him decide whether it is worth returning to college for another year or if he should take his talents to the pros.
2. Exposure to NBA Teams and GMs: The NBA Draft is a major event on the basketball calendar, and being part of it exposes Oweh to NBA decision-makers. Even if he does not get drafted in 2025, the exposure could help him secure a spot on an NBA team or an NBA G League affiliate. The more teams that get a chance to evaluate him, the greater the chance that he could land in a situation that allows him to develop further, whether through the draft, as an undrafted free agent, or through other professional routes.
3. Increased Marketability: By declaring for the draft, Oweh is signaling to the public and the basketball world that he is a legitimate prospect. This can lead to increased media attention, sponsorship opportunities, and an elevated profile among fans and basketball analysts. Whether he stays in the draft or returns to college, this type of exposure can increase his brand value and attract more interest in his future development.
4. Potential for Immediate Pay: While Oweh has not necessarily declared to sign an NBA contract immediately, declaring for the draft may give him the opportunity to sign a two-way contract or even play in the NBA G League next season. These options would allow him to get paid while continuing his basketball development, which may be more financially advantageous than staying in college for another year.

The Risks of Declaring for the Draft

While the advantages of declaring for the NBA Draft are clear, there are also inherent risks involved. For one, Oweh risks losing his college eligibility if he stays in the draft and does not return to school. The timeline for withdrawal from the draft is tight, and if Oweh ultimately decides to return to Kentucky after the draft but after missing the deadline, he could be faced with a decision to either go pro in some capacity or lose his eligibility for college basketball altogether.

Additionally, Oweh may face the risk of being selected lower than expected or not drafted at all. The NBA Draft process is highly competitive, and players often rise and fall in stock based on their performances in individual workouts, the draft combine, and team interviews. If Oweh’s stock falls during the process, he may face the difficult decision of whether to turn pro in a less-than-ideal situation or to return to college to continue developing his game.

Finally, there is the simple fact that NBA teams may see Oweh’s rawness as a downside. While his athleticism and potential are undeniable, teams might feel that he requires more time to mature as a player. This could lead to him being drafted in a lower round, where the financial and career expectations are not as high. At that point, Oweh could have a difficult time determining whether to pursue the NBA dream or to continue playing at Kentucky for another year, where his development could be fostered under Calipari’s tutelage.

The Impact on Kentucky Basketball

Oweh’s decision to declare for the NBA Draft could have significant ramifications for the University of Kentucky’s basketball program. The Wildcats are one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, and every year, they are among the favorites to compete for a national title. Oweh’s potential departure could impact Kentucky’s overall depth and strategy, particularly if he decides to leave.

However, the Kentucky program is built for adaptability. Coach John Calipari has long been known for his ability to recruit top-tier talent and navigate the complexities of the modern college basketball landscape. Whether Oweh stays or goes, Calipari will likely find ways to adjust his roster, relying on his recruiting pipeline to bring in the next wave of talent.

It is also worth considering how Oweh’s decision affects the current Wildcats roster. Should he return for another season, Oweh would provide a significant boost to Kentucky’s lineup. His length and defensive ability would complement the team’s core, giving Kentucky a versatile forward who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. On the other hand, if he decides to stay in the draft, Kentucky will need to recalibrate its expectations and focus on other players to fill the void Oweh would leave behind.

Broader Trends in College Basketball

Oweh’s decision to declare for the NBA Draft while retaining eligibility highlights a broader trend in college basketball: the increasing fluidity of player movement and the evolving relationship between the NCAA and professional basketball. The introduction of the “one-and-done” rule, combined with the rise of alternative professional paths like the G League, has reshaped the landscape of player development.

The NCAA’s decision to allow players to test the NBA waters without fully committing has empowered young athletes to make more informed decisions. It also highlights the growing importance of player autonomy, where athletes can decide when they are ready for the next level, whether that is through college basketball or professional routes.

For many players like Oweh, the draft declaration process is no longer just a decision about their professional future—it is a moment of evaluation and self-assessment. For college programs, it is a chance to recalibrate their rosters and adapt to the realities of modern basketball recruitment. And for the NBA, it is an opportunity to scout and potentially acquire young talent who may one day shape the future of the league.

Otega Oweh’s decision to declare for the NBA Draft while retaining his eligibility to return to college basketball is a move that will have far-reaching consequences for both him and the Kentucky Wildcats. The opportunity to test the draft waters allows Oweh to assess his potential as an NBA prospect and receive valuable feedback from scouts, but it also comes with risks, including the possibility of being drafted lower than expected or not at all.

For Kentucky, Oweh’s decision is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college basketball and the need for coaches and programs to stay adaptable. Whether Oweh returns to Lexington or takes his talents to the NBA, his declaration for the draft signals a shift in the way players approach their basketball futures. As the NBA Draft process continues to evolve, Oweh’s journey will serve as a case study for future prospects navigating the delicate balance between college and professional basketball.