Big Blue Nation has been waiting weeks for Otega Oweh’s decision, and the moment is finally here.

After participating in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and testing his luck against the best young talent in the world, Oweh has officially decided to withdraw his name from the draft and return to Kentucky for his senior season.

Jonathan Givony was the first to report Oweh’s decision on May 28, sending Wildcat fans into a flurry of emotion that their leading scorer from last year’s team is officially back.

Before last season began, fans knew that Oweh was a highly regarded prospect with loads of potential, but until he proved it night in and night out, it remained uncertain who the star was going to be on the 2024-25 roster.

Many expected it to be Jaxson Robinson, who played under Mark Pope at BYU and held four years of experience under his belt at the collegiate level. Next in line was Lamont Butler, who also opted into his fifth-year option and brought Pope’s squad a level of confidence and dependability with the ball, having played deep into the season with San Diego State multiple times.

However, when the Wildcats were riddled with injuries, Oweh emerged as “the guy” in the blue and white. There’s countless moments you can reflect on from his junior session: locking up the nations’ best with Cooper Flagg, dropping 20 or more points on a nightly basis, embarrassing his former team, the Oklahoma Sooners, not only once but twice with his clutch performances, and ultimately walking off of the court as a leader, a mentor and a legend in every associated Kentucky fan’s eyes.

Oweh gave the season hope, taking on a role that was unexpected.

When the final buzzer of the season sounded, many of the Kentucky faithful wondered what was next for double-zero, and if he wanted to “run it back” with Pope and company.

On April 15, Oweh declared for the NBA Draft, calling Kentucky fans the “best fans in the world.” At the time, the decision seemed quite scary for those keeping tabs on Pope’s second-year roster, but the last line in Oweh’s announcement remained crucial: “…while maintaining my NCAA eligibility.”

Looking back, maybe awaiting the decision was probably stressful for the best fans in college basketball, seeing the “former” Wildcat bully defenders in the combine and have his way offensively. Oweh waited until the day of the withdrawal deadline, and even had another workout the same day. Reports came out that he was receiving great feedback from the NBA programs, and that sentence sounds scary.

When he originally entered the draft process, he was presumed to be just be trying his luck, which did a complete 180 when he stated that he’s wasn’t doing anything “one foot in, one foot out” and that he wanted to achieve his dreams.

Well, look at it now. The decision has been made and Oweh is going to put on the blue and white once again. He followed his heart, and soon his own form of the bluegrass call, “Oweh, Oweh, Oweh”, will be chanted throughout Rupp Arena after every captivating play and bring a fire to his soul.

The ninth championship in Kentucky basketball history is long overdue, but now, the odds are ever in their favor. Pope has his superstar back, and he’s prepared to lead his team its former glory.

In the midst of all the extensive excitement regarding Kentucky’s incoming roster, many have taken for granted one of, if not the most important pieces on the potential team – that is, one Otega Oweh.

When the draft process began, Oweh’s entry felt like “testing the waters”, and not much more. But as the deadline for players to withdrawal has drawn nearer and athletes around the country return to their collegiate homes, #00 has yet to make a choice. What’s more? He’s only got until tomorrow. One way or another, Oweh’s official decision as to whether or not Kentucky will see him return for a second season will have to be made before the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday, May 27.

So, which way is the Lexington fan favorite leaning? Well, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander on the Eye of College Basketball Process, this may be a barn burner.

Wait and See

Despite many reports predicting Oweh’s return to Kentucky, he’s received some “really, really good feedback in the past four or five days,” said Norlander, who previously thought he was “almost a guarantee” to return to Rupp. “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.”

Undoubtedly, Oweh’s decision looms large in regard to Kentucky’s roster construction, in addition to the priceless impact he had on the team and community’s culture in Mark Pope’s first year. If he were to leave, major backcourt minutes would be blown wide open for the taking, and questions of a potential additional player would certainly begin to circulate.

Until then, though, all the Big Blue Nation can do is sit back, support their starting small forward, and wait. Either way, Oweh had a special year in Lexington. Even if it doesn’t run it back, the best fans in the nation will support this particularly special Cat for a long time to come.

When thinking about Kentucky basketball’s additions this offseason, one may overlook Andrija Jelavic.

Not for a lack of talent, as the 21-year-old led the ABA League, a top 10 league in Europe, in rebounding. It’s largely due to his surprise announcement. It was reported in early April that Kentucky had been in contact with a talented stretch big, and less than a week later, he was committed.

In the weeks since, Jelavic has been focused on finishing his season with KK Mega Superbet, who lost last week in the Serbian SuperLeague Quarterfinals. Now for Jelavic, the focus is on getting to Kentucky and trying to raise a banner.

Ahead of his move to Lexington, he sat down with Kentucky Insider for a Q&A.

Q: When did playing for Kentucky start to become a possibility?

The first contact with them was when we played against Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade Arena (March 17th). I had a good game and I heard that Kentucky was interested in talking to me and already that was a dream to me.

Q: What makes playing for Kentucky a dream? Coach Pope mentioned that you cried when talking about playing at Kentucky. What makes it so emotional for you?

It’s just that basketball is my life and it’s very important to me. When the fans started to text me and comment on my posts to be a Wildcat, I saw that Kentucky fans live for basketball and to be a part of something so special means so much to me. I got emotional a bit.

Q: Talking to the staff, what is their vision for you? What did they say in your recruitment?

Their vision for me is what I already am, a big man (four man) that can stretch the floor with my shooting, dribble, scoring and playmaking, while also being a very good and versatile defender on the other side of the floor. I also think I can make the team better with my off ball movements and scoring that way.

Q: Speaking of your play style, which players do you model your game after or study on film?

I model myself after players like Lauri Markkanen, KAT and Kevin Durant.

Q: You mentioned KAT, a former UK player. Have you spoken to any former Kentucky players, and what do you know about Kentucky growing up?

I exchanged some messages with Koby Brea because I’m gonna be wearing his number 4. About Kentucky, I always knew that they are the biggest franchise in college basketball history, and just everything about them is legendary.

Q: What are some things you and Koby talked about? Did he give you any advice?

He just told me to go be great and that he can’t wait to see me play. Also, that he likes my number decision.

Q: You talked about talking with Koby Brea, have you spoken to any of your upcoming teammates yet? If so, what about?

I have exchanged some messages of excitement and responsibility with my teammates. We all agree that the ultimate goal is the same and that is to bring a championship to Kentucky, to the state and the fans.

Q: It’s been some time since you committed. Have you been cleared to play? Is there an application process or any visa things that have to be sorted?

I committed to Kentucky while my season was still not finished. I actually just finished my season with Mega a week ago, and I did all the application processes and everything. So I will be cleared to play soon.

Q: What part of playing at Kentucky excites you the most?

Definitely playing at Rupp Arena and celebrating victories with the fans.

Q: What are your goals this season and for your career at Kentucky?

Definitely to bring many wins and hopefully a Championship to Kentucky. To be a player that Kentucky will always remember.

Q: What are your biggest interests outside of basketball?

I like to watch anime, and tv series and movies. Also like playing video games sometimes.

Q: What is your opinion on American food? What is your favorite food from Croatia?

My encounter with American food was really short, so I can’t say much, but as far as I have seen, I liked it. From Croatia, I like cevapi very much.

Q: Do you have a nickname you’d like to go by?

Up to now, I always went by ‘Jela,’ but we will see what my nickname will be here at Kentucky.

Q: When do you plan to arrive on campus?

I don’t have the exact date yet, but it will be soon. A week or two.