Otega Oweh’s NBA Draft Stock: A Tightrope Walk as the Withdrawal Deadline Looms for Collegiate Futures
As the May 28th, 11:59 p.m. ET withdrawal deadline for the 2025 NBA Draft rapidly approaches, the basketball world, particularly fans of the Kentucky Wildcats, are closely watching Otega Oweh’s decision. The versatile guard, who transferred from Oklahoma to Kentucky, finds himself at a pivotal juncture: to pursue his NBA dreams now, or return to college for another season, potentially bolstering his draft stock and earning significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money.
Oweh’s journey through the draft process has been dynamic. While his initial declaration might have been perceived as “testing the waters,” his performance at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, coupled with ongoing workouts for various NBA teams, has seemingly provided him with “really, really good feedback.” This positive reception, as reported by sources, has introduced an element of genuine consideration for Oweh, making his ultimate decision less of a foregone conclusion than it once appeared. He has notably worked out for the Brooklyn Nets, a team holding four first-round picks, as well as the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers. Oweh himself has expressed confidence, stating, “I believe I’m a first-round guy.”
However, despite this reported positive feedback and Oweh’s self-belief, the consensus among major NBA mock drafts paints a somewhat different picture. The vast majority of prominent mock drafts, including those from CBS Sports, Clutch Points, ESPN, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, Babcock Hoops, USA Today, NBAdraft.net, SB Nation, and FTW, have largely omitted Otega Oweh from their two-round projections. ESPN, for instance, currently ranks him as the No. 72 prospect in the 2025 draft. This ranking would typically translate to a two-way or Exhibit 10 contract, far from the guaranteed first-round selection Oweh believes he is.
The lone consistent exception among widely cited mock drafts has been Sports Illustrated, which has projected Oweh as the 58th overall pick, going to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even this projection places him firmly in the late second round, a significant difference from the first-round aspiration. When HoopsHype aggregated ten different mock drafts, Oweh was not included in the averaged picks, further illustrating his position outside the mainstream draft radar.
From a scouting perspective, Otega Oweh is recognized as a tough, versatile two-way guard/forward. Standing a little over 6-foot-4 without shoes with an impressive 6-foot-8 ½ wingspan, he possesses an NBA-ready frame and physicality. He averaged a career-high 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks this past season, shooting 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from three-point range, and 77.6% from the free-throw line. His strengths include his ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes with sharp off-ball instincts, and attack the rim as an effective slasher. He has also shown improvement in his catch-and-shoot abilities.
However, areas for development remain. While his three-point percentage improved this season, his volume was quite low, with only 27 makes in 36 games. His shooting consistency and volume are considered swing skills that need further refinement to solidify his offensive impact at the NBA level. Additionally, while he can make some passing reads, he lacks the craft and finishing to be a full-time ball-handler. Scouts also note that he is not an elite athlete, which can limit his defensive pace against quicker opponents, and he can sometimes overcommit defensively, leading to fouls. His decision-making on offense, occasionally settling for contested mid-range shots, is another aspect for improvement.
The financial implications are also a significant factor. Returning to Kentucky for his senior season would almost certainly mean a substantial NIL package, potentially far exceeding what he might earn as a second-round or undrafted player. Many college basketball analysts and insiders, including Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, initially predicted Oweh’s return to Kentucky, citing the financial benefits and the opportunity for further development under Coach Mark Pope. If Oweh were to return, he would undoubtedly be a centerpiece for the Wildcats, with some even suggesting he could be a favorite for SEC Player of the Year. His presence would immediately elevate Kentucky into preseason top-10 discussions, and without him, the team would rely more heavily on newcomers.
As the deadline inches closer, several other notable college players have opted to withdraw their names from the draft and return to school, choosing lucrative NIL deals over uncertain professional futures. This trend highlights the growing financial appeal of staying in college, especially for players who aren’t projected as sure-fire first-round picks.
Otega Oweh has maintained that he is “all in” on the NBA Draft process, indicating a serious intent rather than just a casual exploration. His decision will have significant ramifications for both his personal career trajectory and Kentucky’s outlook for the upcoming collegiate season. With Wednesday, May 28th at 11:59 p.m. ET serving as the final moment for his choice, the basketball world awaits to see if Oweh’s strong combine showing and positive feedback are enough to convince him to take the professional plunge, or if the lure of another year of development and financial stability in Lexington will ultimately prevail.
