He’s Back! Otega Oweh Withdraws from NBA Draft, Returning to Kentucky for Senior Season to Chase Greatness with the Wildcats
Lexington, KY – The wait is over — and Big Blue Nation just got a massive boost.
Otega Oweh, one of Kentucky’s rising stars and a fan favorite for his athleticism, grit, and two-way dominance, has officially withdrawn his name from the 2025 NBA Draft. In a move that electrifies the Wildcats’ fanbase and reshapes the SEC landscape, Oweh has announced he will return to Lexington for his senior season.
With the midnight deadline looming, Oweh’s decision sends a clear message: unfinished business remains — and he’s coming back to handle it.
A Game-Changing Return
Oweh’s return to Kentucky adds a major jolt of experience, leadership, and elite production to head coach Mark Pope’s squad. Coming off a breakout junior campaign where he averaged impressive numbers on both ends of the court, Oweh was widely projected as a second-round draft pick. But his choice to stay reflects not just confidence in the team’s potential — but a commitment to legacy.
“Kentucky means everything to me,” Oweh shared in his announcement. “I’m grateful for the support of BBN, and I’m coming back to chase a championship with my brothers. We’re not done yet.”
The Heart of the Wildcats
Known for his explosiveness, relentless defense, and crowd-igniting plays, Oweh has become a foundational piece for Kentucky. His return solidifies the team’s backcourt, brings leadership to a young and hungry roster, and raises the Wildcats’ ceiling heading into the 2025–26 season.
Coach Pope, entering his second year, didn’t hide his excitement.
“This is huge for us,” Pope said. “Otega is the kind of player every coach dreams of. He plays with heart, lifts up everyone around him, and wants to win more than anything. We’re thrilled to have him back in blue.”
Eyes on a Banner Year
With Oweh returning, Kentucky instantly vaults into the national contender conversation. The combination of veteran leadership, new talent, and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality sets the stage for a thrilling season in Rupp Arena.
BBN has plenty to look forward to — and so does the rest of college basketball. Because when Otega Oweh suits up for his senior year, he’s not just playing for draft stock.
He’s playing for history.
