Otega Oweh’s stay-or-go decision is shaping up to be one of the final major dominoes for Kentucky Wildcats basketball’s 2025-26 roster.
After entering the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, the Kentucky basketball star is now carefully evaluating his professional outlook, and recent developments suggest the decision may be tougher than expected.
According to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, Oweh is getting stronger NBA feedback than many anticipated. On Tuesday’s episode of the Eye on College Basketball Podcast, Norlander shared an update that could shift expectations.
“Otega Oweh has apparently gotten some really, really good feedback in the past four or five days,” Norlander said. “I previously thought that he was almost a guarantee to come back to Kentucky. I would still pick that he comes back to Kentucky, but apparently, what he’s gotten back recently has been good on that end, so we wait and see on that.”
Oweh, a 6-foot-5 guard known for his physicality and defensive presence, had a breakout year in his junior season and would continue to be a featured piece of Mark Pope’s retooled Kentucky roster if he returns.
However, his performances at the NBA Draft Combine and in private workouts may have raised his stock enough to give him a legitimate shot at sticking in the league.
While Oweh has until May 28th at 11:59 PM ET to withdraw his name and retain college eligibility, Kentucky fans are left holding their breath. If he returns, Pope would regain a versatile, two-way veteran capable of anchoring a deep and talented roster.
If not, the Wildcats very likely need to adjust once again before summer workouts
