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.

As Kentucky’s roster has began to take shape for next season, there is one key piece missing from last season. On April 22, Travis Perry made his decision to enter the transfer portal, a decision that was very tough for head coach Mark Pope to hear.

“I think he was on his way to becoming a legend here at Kentucky,” said Pope during his first offseason press conference.

Pope, however, had nothing but good things to say about coaching Perry. “He’s a big-time basketball player and he’s gonna have a big-time career,” said Pope. “He’s gonna be a terrific player and he’s such a joy to coach. He took in information and just wanted to get better and he’s got this seriousness about him that’s pretty unflappable.”

Pope made it a point to let fans know he played no part in the decision for Perry to enter the transfer portal. “I couldn’t have disagreed with him more on that, but at the end of the day, we’re all just making our best guess,” said Pope.

This news wasn’t easy for Kentucky fans to hear either, regardless of how Pope felt. It is never easy to lose one of the states’ own which is what Perry was the embodiment of. His love for the state of Kentucky and the rich history that is Kentucky basketball was clear as day. With all the good things said about Perry, it’s very easy to see why losing him would be a tough pill to swallow.

Originally, Perry was supposed to use his freshman season as more of a learning season playing behind Lamont Butler and Kerr Kriisa, serving as more of a depth piece. Unfortunately, due to Kentucky’s injuries, he was shoved into a much larger role than Pope had initially planned.

In his freshman season, Perry finished averaging 2.7 points per game while shooting 31% from the field. However, his biggest game of the season came against Alabama, where he logged 28 minutes, adding 12 points and four steals, widely seen as an unexpected and impressive showing.

With that being said, he indeed had moments where he struggled with strength and the pace of the collegiate game, but there were glimpses shown of a bright future ahead.

After all, you don’t luck into scoring nearly 5,500 points at the high-school level. It was very clear to see that there was a plan for Perry to contribute in the future.

On May 4, Perry committed to play for the Ole Miss Rebels and head coach Chris Beard. Ole Miss made Perry’s final recruitment list out of high school and was very involved in his initial recruitment.

When his name appeared in the portal, Beard quickly made his recruitment a priority.

When asked about Perry, Beard had nothing but high praise for him both on and off the court. “Yeah, I love Travis,” said Beard. “He’s one of those guys that’s addicted to basketball, loves it. Basketball guy. So I enjoyed recruiting him, getting a relationship with his family.”

Losing Perry was clearly devastating for Pope and the staff, as well as Big Blue Nation, however, Perry will start a new chapter with a new SEC team, one’s game that Kentucky fans will definitely mark on the schedule.