Kentucky Wildcats shooting guard Otega Oweh has made his NBA Draft decision.
On Wednesday, Oweh decided he would withdraw from the draft and return to Kentucky.
ESPN’s Jonathan Giovny broke the news first.
Oweh has since announced the news on his Instagram page.
“This year exceeded all my expectations,” said Oweh. “Through all the highs and the lows, I found a family in Kentucky forever. So let’s run it back: I’m staying home.”
In his first season with the Wildcats, the Oklahoma transfer averaged 16.2 points (49.2% shooting), 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 35.5% from 3-point range. Following the regular season, he was named a Second-Team All-SEC selection.
In Kentucky’s Round of 64 win over Troy in the NCAA Tournament, Oweh racked up 20 points (8/13 shooting), eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals. He became the first Kentucky player since Walter McCarty in 1996 to register 20+ points, 8+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in an NCAA Tournament game.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound native of New Jersey had 13 games of 20+ points, including a career-high 28 points and the game-winner at Oklahoma. He also scored 27 points and beat the Sooners at the buzzer in the SEC Tournament.
In the recent NBA Draft Combine, Oweh had a good showing in Chicago, including the following numbers in shooting drills:
- Off Dribble: 16/30 (53%)
- Spot Up: 14/25 (56%)
- 3-Point Star: 12/25 (48%)
- 3-Point Side: 11/21 (42%)
- Free Throw: 9/10 (90%)
In his first combine scrimmage, Oweh went for 10 points (4/8 shooting), three assists, three rebounds, two steals, one block, and one turnover in 21 minutes. In Game 2, he racked up 14 points (4/8 shooting), five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one turnover in 26 minutes.
However, Oweh hit just one 3 in the two scrimmages on his lone attempt. That was an area where he really needed to shine in order to get a first-round guarantee from an NBA team, which is what he was reportedly looking for to stay in the draft.
The 3-point shot has been the biggest topic of discussion with Oweh, and rightfully so with anyone looking to play shooting guard at the NBA level. While Oweh is certainly capable of knocking them down — he shot a career-best 37.7% in his sophomore year with the Sooners — he hit just 35.5% last season (33.3% in SEC play) and just 1/4 attempts over his final four games.
Despite the current limitations with his outside shot, Oweh proved he can be an elite scorer thanks to his ability to drive to the rim and hit contested shots in the paint while drawing contact. He hit a career-best 77.6% from the charity stripe last season. That included a 13/13 performance vs. Ohio State and a 9/10 outing in the win at Oklahoma.
Now, the quest for No. 9 has officially begun.
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NEWS: Kentucky’s Otega Oweh has withdrawn his name from the NBA draft and will return to the Wildcats for his senior season, agent Wilmer Jackson of Spencer Sports told ESPN.
Massive news for Mark Pope to return his team’s leading scorer from last season. pic.twitter.com/Qgt6tRyqiC
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 28, 2025
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