Otega Oweh withdraws from NBA draft, to return to Kentucky

Kentucky guard Otega Oweh has withdrawn his identify from the NBA draft and can return to the Wildcats for his senior season, his agent Wilmer Jackson of Spencer Sports activities advised ESPN Wednesday.

“I bought nice suggestions from NBA groups, however the consensus was to return again to highschool and have an ideal 12 months,” Oweh advised ESPN. “I need to attempt to up my inventory much more, and put myself able to win a nationwide championship with all of the potential accolades that include that.

Oweh had till 11:59 p.m. ET to make his stay-or-go choice.

A 6-foot-5 guard from New Jersey, Oweh loved a breakout marketing campaign after transferring to Kentucky from Oklahoma final spring. He averaged profession highs throughout the board, placing up 16.2 factors, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals, incomes second-team All-SEC honors within the course of.

Oweh was terrific down the stretch of the season, scoring 20 or extra factors eight occasions in February and March — together with two game-winners towards his former faculty whereas averaging 27.5 factors within the two victories over the Sooners.

Oweh was invited to the NBA draft mix in Chicago, the place he carried out effectively within the two 5-on-5 scrimmages. He had 10 factors and three assists within the first scrimmage and adopted it up with 14 factors and 5 rebounds the subsequent day, being probably the greatest total defenders on the camp.

With Oweh formally again within the fold, nonetheless, Kentucky has solidified its case as a preseason top-10 crew. The Wildcats misplaced 4 of 5 starters from final season, however reloaded by way of the switch portal and recruiting path.

“We’ve got the expertise to be the No. 1 crew within the nation,” Oweh advised ESPN. “Numerous guys who’re hungry to make that leap, and that depth to go get nationwide championship No. 9 for Kentucky. I am excited to play with everybody. It is going to be a enjoyable 12 months.”

Mark Pope and his employees landed top-100 transfers Jayden Quaintance (9.4 PPG at Arizona State), Jaland Lowe (16.8 PPG at Pitt), Denzel Aberdeen (7.7 PPG at Florida), Kam Williams (9.3 PPG at Tulane) and Mouhamed Dioubate (7.2 PPG at Alabama), whereas additionally bringing in three ESPN 100 recruits: Jasper Johnson (No. 18), Malachi Moreno (No. 25) and Braydon Hawthorne (No. 81).

Oweh is the highest returnee, though huge man Brandon Garrison (5.9 PPG) is anticipated to tackle an even bigger position, particularly if Quaintance — who underwent surgical procedure in March to restore a torn ACL — misses time to start the season.

“My mindset is attempting to be the alpha man,” Oweh mentioned. “I must be that voice that leads the crew. I am one of many few guys that was there final 12 months. I do know the sensation of shedding within the Candy 16. I plan to steer the group this 12 months.”

Kentucky will open its 2025-26 season with October exhibition video games towards Purdue and Georgetown.