Kentucky guard Otega Oweh is exploring his professional future while keeping the door open for a return to Lexington. On Monday, Oweh officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, but will maintain his college eligibility — signaling that a return to Kentucky remains firmly on the table.
“To the best fans in the nation, the Big Blue Nation – Getting to play the game I love each day, knowing I have your support alongside my family and friends, has truly been a dream come true, and I am incredibly blessed,” Oweh shared in a statement posted to Instagram. “I’m taking the next step and have declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, while maintaining my NCAA eligibility.”
The 6-foot-4 transfer from Oklahoma was a breakout performer for Kentucky this past season, averaging 16.2 points per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. Oweh brought consistent energy and scoring to Mark Pope’s backcourt, posting 20 or more points in 13 games. He shined brightest on the biggest stages, delivering two game-winning buckets against his former team, Oklahoma, and dropping a team-high 20 points in the Wildcats’ first-round NCAA Tournament win over Troy.
While Oweh’s explosive scoring and toughness were crucial to Kentucky’s success, his NBA draft stock remains uncertain. At just 6-foot-4, he’s considered undersized for a traditional shooting guard, and questions linger about his perimeter shooting.
Oweh connected on just 35% of his three-point attempts this past season, averaging less than one make per game from beyond the arc. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony currently ranks him as the No. 86 prospect in the 2025 class — well outside the 60-player draft limit.
Still, by declaring, Oweh will be able to test the waters and receive feedback from NBA teams through the draft evaluation process. That includes participating in the NBA Draft Combine, team workouts, and interviews. He has until June 15 at 5 PM EST to withdraw his name and retain his college eligibility.
His decision leaves Kentucky in a bit of a holding pattern. If Oweh returns, he’ll be a key piece of Pope’s second-year roster, which is already loaded with new talent through the transfer portal and high school recruiting. But if he hears the feedback he wants and decides to go pro, Kentucky will have another hole to fill in the backcourt.
Either way, Oweh’s return to Lexington in 2024-25 remains a possibility — and Big Blue Nation will be watching closely.
