Oweh withdraws from NBA draft, returning to UK

Jonathan Givony Close Jonathan Givony ESPN NBA draft analyst and writer Joined

ESPN.com in July

2017

Creator and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a personal searching and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams Jeff Borzello Close Jeff Borzello ESPN Personnel Author Basketball recruiting insider. Signed up with ESPN in 2014. Graduate of University of Delaware.May 28

• , 2025, 04:53 PM ET Kentucky guard Otega Oweh has actually withdrawn his name from
• the NBA draft and will return to the Wildcats for his

senior season, his agent Wilmer Jackson of Spencer Sports told ESPN Wednesday.” I got great feedback from NBA groups, however the agreement was to come back to school and have a great year,”Oweh informed ESPN.

“I wish to attempt and up my stock even more, and put myself in a position to win a championship game with all the possible accolades that feature that.Oweh had until 11:59 p.m. ET to make his stay-or-go decision.A 6-foot-5 guard from New Jersey, Oweh took pleasure in a breakout campaign after moving to Kentucky from Oklahoma last spring. He balanced career highs across the board,

installing 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals, making second-team All-SEC honors in the process.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Oweh was terrific down the stretch of the season, scoring 20 or more points eight times in February and March– including 2 game-winners against his previous school while averaging 27.5 points in the 2 success over the Sooners.Oweh was invited to the NBA draft integrate in Chicago, where he performed well in the 2 5-on-5 skirmishes. He had 10 points and three helps in the first scrimmage and followed it up with 14 points and 5 rebounds the next day,

being one of the very best general defenders at the camp.With Oweh officially back in the fold, nevertheless, Kentucky has actually strengthened its case as a preseason top-10 team. The Wildcats lost 4 of five starters from last season, but reloaded via the transfer website and recruiting path. “We have the skill to be the No. 1 team in the nation, “Oweh informed ESPN.”A lot of guys who are starving to make that jump, and that intensity to go get championship game No. 9 for Kentucky. I’m excited to have fun with everyone. It will be a fun year.

“Mark Pope and his staff 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 ), while likewise bringing

in three ESPN 100 recruits: Jasper Johnson (No. 18), Malachi Moreno (No. 25) and Braydon Hawthorne (No. 81). Oweh is the leading returnee, although huge man Brandon Fort(5.9 PPG )is anticipated to handle a bigger role, specifically if Quaintance– who went through surgery in March to repair a torn ACL– misses time to begin the season. “My state of mind is attempting to be the alpha guy,”Oweh said.”I need to be that voice that leads the group. I are among the couple of guys that existed in 2015. I know the sensation of losing in the Sugary food 16. I prepare to lead the group this year.” Kentucky will open its 2025-26 season with October exhibit games against Purdue and Georgetown.