In Kentucky Insider’s exclusive interview with recent alumni sensation Kahlil Whitney, following a reportedly competitive scrimmage between the incoming Kentucky team and the TBT-favorite La Familia squad, the former Wildcat dubbed Jaland Lowe and Otega Oweh as the “heads of the snake,” regarding the new roster.
Put simply, these young Cats gave the former guys some trouble.
Whitney cited the athleticism and open-court ability of both players as primary reasons for the younger team’s victory, specifically highlighting Lowe’s quickness with the ball, as well as his ability find his teammates and create his own looks.Big Blue Shoes to Fill
Of course, Oweh’s mention won’t come as a shock to any member of BBN, given his dominant presence within the program on and off the court last season, including two game-winning shots and countless poster-worthy plays. Lowe, on the other hand, is a new asset, set to take on the tall, storied task that is being a big blue point guard.
With as many greats that have gone before him at the position, a lot will be expected of the junior transfer out of Pittsburgh. Despite early yet consistent worries about his shooting percentage and playmaking ability clouding conversations, day-by-day, Lowe seems to be playing his way past those concerns. Early reports from practice have tracked similar trends, with the consensus being that Pope’s more refined offensive system, as well as a widely improved roster around him, have allowed Lowe’s true abilities as an all-around guard with an arsenal of serious weapons to shine.
Next-Level Talent
Pair him with the arguable preseason SEC Player of the Year favorite Otega Oweh, and Kentucky will look to have two commanding conference stars who can do it all on both sides of the ball coming into the 2025-26 season. Oweh, similarly to Lowe, is set to benefit from similar factors, being undoubtedly slated to receive an increased focus on the offensive end, as well as coming off an entire offseason spent on the NBA Draft scene that is sure to have improved his game, too.
Lowe, much like Oweh, also stood out at the NBA Combine in his few appearances. Kentucky is returning two legitimately next-level prospects.
Not to mention a roster chock-full of younger, potential-ridden talent and rugged veteran transfers alongside the two early standouts. Who knows whose name will rise behind the scenes next? Either way, one thing is for sure: as the expectations climb for the Mark Pope regime in Lexington, so does the ceiling for the teams he’s putting together. This next batch of Wildcats may be one of the most exciting the university has seen on this side of their last Final Four… and if it wasn’t obvious enough, #9 is clearly on everyone’s minds once more.
