After a thorough NBA Draft evaluation process, Kentucky guard Otega Oweh has decided to return for his senior season rather than enter the NBA Draft. Although Oweh wasn’t widely projected to be drafted initially, his recent workouts and interviews significantly improved his draft stock. According to Matt Norlander, Oweh “almost certainly would have been drafted” if he had stayed in the draft. Despite this, Oweh chose to return to Kentucky, where the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities are substantial—likely earning him over $3 million.
Gary Parrish added that Oweh, along with Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford and Alabama’s Labaron Philon, initially wanted to remain in the draft. However, all three were persuaded to return to their respective SEC programs, highlighting the financial and resource advantages these schools now hold. The SEC’s ability to retain top talent through NIL deals appears to be influencing draft decisions.
With Oweh returning, Kentucky’s 2025-26 basketball roster looks very strong. Parrish ranks the Wildcats No. 12 nationally, while Norlander argues they deserve a top-10 spot. Oweh, who was not expected to be among Kentucky’s top players last year, emerged as the leading scorer, delivering several 20-point games and clutch performances, including game-winning shots against his former school, Oklahoma.
Returning players Brandon Garrison and Collin Chandler are expected to elevate their games, while Jayden Quaintance is anticipated to recover from injury in time for the season. Kentucky’s transfer portal additions—Kam Williams, Jaland Lowe, Mouhamed Dioubate, Denzel Aberdeen, and Reece Potter—combined with incoming freshmen Jasper Johnson, Malachi Moreno, Andrija Jelavic, and Braydon Hawthorne, give coach Mark Pope a deep and versatile roster to build around Oweh.
Norlander is eager to see how Pope integrates this talent, noting that Kentucky now has a legitimate chance to be a top-10 team nationally. Oweh’s return is a significant boost, symbolizing Kentucky’s strong position in college basketball and its growing influence through NIL resource.
