Return or Rise? Otega Oweh Weighs NBA Dreams Against Another Year in Lexington as Draft Stock Climbs
As the dust settles on another thrilling college basketball season, all eyes turn to the decisions of key players — and for Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, the choice between pursuing a professional career or returning for another season in Lexington has fans and scouts buzzing alike.
According to CBS Sports’ latest NBA Draft rankings, Amari Williams — another top collegiate standout — is slotted at No. 48 and widely projected as a second-round pick. Oweh, while currently ranked slightly lower, remains very much in the conversation, particularly due to his late-season surge and high ceiling.
The uncertainty surrounding Oweh’s decision is understandable. For a player on the verge of a breakout, the NBA G League offers immediate exposure to the pros and a chance to climb the ladder. Yet, the evolution of college basketball, especially with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, now offers a strong incentive for players like Oweh to stay in school — not only for development, but for financial security and legacy-building.
At 6-foot-5 with explosive athleticism, defensive intensity, and a rapidly improving offensive game, Oweh has the physical tools and mindset NBA scouts crave. His ability to guard multiple positions, finish in transition, and knock down shots from the perimeter makes him a valuable two-way player in the making.
Sources close to the Kentucky program suggest that head coach Mark Pope is making a strong push for Oweh’s return. With a roster poised to contend for a national title and plenty of minutes available in the backcourt, another season in blue and white could give Oweh the national spotlight he needs to leap from sleeper prospect to first-round or even lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
“If he comes back, he could be the face of the team,” one insider noted. “He’s already shown flashes of NBA-level talent. One more season of consistency and polish, and he’s a lock for the first round — maybe higher.”
For now, Oweh remains undecided, weighing the benefits of immediate pro development against the long-term gains of an elevated draft position. But one thing is clear: whether in the G League or back in Rupp Arena, Otega Oweh’s basketball journey is only just beginning — and his next move could define it.
