Otega Oweh is returning to Kentucky for one final season of college basketball, and fans are buzzing with excitement, believing he made the perfect choice by withdrawing from the NBA Draft. Last season, he was very successful under coach Mark Pope, but there’s no denying that Pope is still chasing a national title.
Now, with the 6’5″ guard back in the lineup, Pope can once again set his sights on a championship run. However, the catch is that Kentucky already has a stacked roster for the upcoming season. So, where does Oweh fit best? A college basketball analyst recently asked this very real question to everyone.
Analysts Ask Where Mark Pope Will Place Otega Oweh in Kentucky’s Stacked Lineup
Kentucky basketball is entering a new era under Mark Pope, and his latest roster move—bringing in Otega Oweh—can spark an easy debate over the team’s backcourt hierarchy. Honestly, it’s a very good problem to have.
Oweh, who withdrew from the NBA Draft to return for another season, was Kentucky’s leading scorer last year, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. His return adds firepower but also raises questions about how Pope will manage his deep guard rotation.
Speaking on the “Locked On College Basketball,” Andy Patton highlighted the crowded backcourt situation, saying, “Now, Otega Oweh joins a group that also includes Jalen Lowe, who was in the draft process before pulling out, and a transfer from Pitt, who was outstanding last year for the Panthers. It also includes Denzel Aberdeen, who was the third guard on the national champion Florida Gators team.”
Mark Pope on Otega Oweh:
“He’s knocking on the door of this draft, so we’re cheering for him. If he decides to return he’d probably be the presumptive SEC Player of the Year” pic.twitter.com/GfNj1zD7gv
— Casey (@BleedBlueCasey) May 18, 2025
“It also includes Jasper Johnson, the 24th-ranked player in the 2025 recruiting class. It includes Colin Chandler, a returner who was very good in a small role last year.”
Looking at this depth, it’s hard not to be amazed. This backcourt has everything—youth, experience, talent, and depth.
It’s not easy to find flaws in this group, even for the harshest critics. But with so many options, a big question remains: where will Otega Oweh fit? Patton asked the same question as well.
He added, “Where the heck is Otega Oweh going to play this year? He’s the sixth guard on this roster. It’s just absurd.” With Kentucky’s guard depth at an all-time high, Pope faces the challenge of finding the perfect balance. Everyone expects Oweh to have a big role, but his exact spot on the court is still up in the air.
He continued, “Howard or fifth guard on this roster, either way, it’s absurd how deep Mark Pope’s team is next year. I can guarantee you that Otega Oweh’s gonna play a very similar role. He’s gonna be the starting two guard. Maybe he starts at the three, depending on how Mark Pope wants to make this thing work for the Wildcats.”
KEEP READING: Otega Oweh Backed for Huge SEC Achievement Soon After NBA Draft Withdrawal
The Wildcats were Sweet 16 contenders last season. With Otega Oweh back alongside a stacked lineup, expectations are even higher this year. However, the New Jersey native must first earn his role, especially an important one, to get significant time on the court. Let’s see where he will land finally.
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