Kentucky’s star guard Otega Oweh has instantly been involved since his decision to return to the Wildcats, appearing at the father and son camp and taking pictures with young fans, to practicing with the team as summer unfolds.

Getting to this point in the timeline may seem like a blur to some Kentucky fans, with so many rumors swirling around his name during the NBA Draft process. At one point, we had no idea what Oweh’s future looked like, then his stock elevated after his performances in the combine and speculation that he could go late in the second round started to become a reality.

Oweh, on record, took every workout that was seemingly available and did his rounds before ultimately making his decision, which was smart in his book, but Big Blue Nation (BBN), and maybe even some SEC rivals were really watching the clock as the deadline ticked closer.

Ultimately, Oweh confirmed in a recent media scrum that he did record his announcement video beforehand and didn’t bother to make the alternate version.

It was always Kentucky one would say, but as the season inches closer, it’s always fun to revisit the past and add in the details as time passes.

What exact feedback did Oweh receive from the NBA? The now senior revealed that he heard some positive things, but also felt there’s some clear indicators why one wouldn’t deem him a “lock” to be one of the sixty players selected in the draft.

“They really just wanted to see me take more,” Oweh said when talking about his shooting. “My percentage was good both years, it was just the volume.”

On the bright side of things, Oweh wasn’t just told “we need to see more” entirely, but received some very good comments on his aggression and hunger to score.

“(They liked) my intensity, my motor, my ability to produce and rack up points,” Oweh said. “Just gotta improve my playmaking and shooting, but everyone said they like my game.”

Thankfully, BBN won’t have to “worry” about anything NBA related until around this time next year, where Oweh will eventually and more than likely hear his name called. Before that, however, the superstar will look to sharpen his skills this offseason and become an even bigger household name than he already is.

It’s rare for a team to poach a key player from within its own conference — and even more unlikely to lure one away from the reigning national champions. So when Mark Pope and Kentucky landed senior guard Denzel Aberdeen after three seasons at Florida, his former SEC foe turned teammate Otega Oweh — along with Big Blue Nation — was buzzing with excitement over the possibilities ahead.

While most projections have Aberdeen slotted into the two-guard spot in Kentucky’s starting lineup, Oweh believes his versatility could make an even greater impact, particularly at point guard.

“He’s fresh off of a ring. He’s a solid PG,” Oweh said. “You know he’s going to bring that calmness to our group.”

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Aberdeen steadily improved each year of his college career, raising his scoring average from 1.6 points per game in 2022-23 to 3.3 in 2023-24, and finishing last season with 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He shot 41.8% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc while helping Florida win a national championship.

When a player transfers out of a program, the reaction from that school’s fan base can speak volumes. In Aberdeen’s case, many Florida fans were visibly upset about losing him — especially to a conference rival like Kentucky.

They knew just how dangerous he could be when paired with a certain wing returning to the Wildcats. Regardless of where Aberdeen lines up in the backcourt next season, his combination with Oweh has the potential to become one of the most explosive duos in the country.

With his triumphant, last-second return to Lexington for a second and final season in the blue and white, last year’s breakout star Otega Oweh essentially tied a bow on the army knife that is Kentucky’s incoming roster. 

And while the talent coming in from all sides is full of athletes weathered in their own ways, Oweh, having already played under the big blue lights, looks to step into a leadership role.

“I’m definitely going to have to be one of the leaders, for sure,” he said. “…I’m going to do it in my own way. Being vocal, but also a little intense. I feel like that’s kind of my thing.”

Oweh became a fan favorite Wildcat this year for a multitude of reasons, the least of which weren’t his game-winning buckets and highlight slams that seemed to occur on a regular basis.

But beyond the stuff that made it on SportsCenter, Oweh carried much of the team’s energy when he was on the floor. The game seemed to move through him on both ends; a ball of momentum that, at times, made or broke the result of a match.

While last year’s magical run came up short, Oweh, like his head coach, has his sights set on a banner this fall.

“We have a lot of guys who could get big accolades this year… so I feel like, with that, comes a national championship. If we win the natty, everyone is going to get what they want. If we win, everyone wins.”

As Kentucky’s star returner, and a potential early favorite for SEC Player of the Year, Otega Oweh carries the weight of Rupp Arena on his shoulders.

But not only is he up for the challenge, he seems to embrace it. Coming back as the presumed best guy on the floor means not only meeting expectations, but exceeding them.

The most passionate fanbase in college basketball looks on as #00 leads the charge towards one of the most promising, exciting seasons Lexington has seen in years.

“It really felt like we had unfinished business,” said Oweh. A long awaited ninth banner hangs in the balance as Mark Pope, Otega Oweh, and the Kentucky Wildcats gear up for the 2025-26 season.