After withdrawing from NBA draft, Otega Oweh sets massive ambition for Kentucky in next season

Otega Oweh has big plans for Kentucky next season. The Wildcats' star guard discussed his decision to return to college in an interview with Kentucky Sports Radio.

After going through the NBA draft process, Oweh ultimately withdrew his name on the last day to do so while maintaining his college eligibility. He opened up about coming back to Kentucky for his senior season.

"It was just going through the process and then just seeing and hearing where teams will take you, and it's like, if I have one more year, I can just go back and improve that stock," Oweh explained.

The Wildcats' star then pointed out his ambitions in his final college season.

"If I go back and we win the whole thing, everyone wins," Oweh said. "That was kind of the biggest thing for me, and it just really felt like we had unfinished business."

Kentucky made a run to the Sweet 16 this past season, but Owen is seeking out more in his senior campaign. The guard will look to lead the Wildcats to their ninth NCAA championship title and first since 2012.

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Analysts react to Otega Oweh's return to Kentucky

This isn't the first time the analysts at Kentucky Sports Radio have reported on Otega Oweh's return to the Wildcats. Jack Pilgrim and Zack Geoghegan expressed excitement about the guard withdrawing from the 2025 NBA draft.

"I've been ecstatic ever since the news broke," Geoghegan said. "You've got a potential preseason SEC Player of the Year, probably a preseason all-American candidate as well, kind of headlining year two with Mark Pope. ... It's very fun. It's hard not to smile when you think about Otega Oweh coming back for senior year."

Pilgrim added that Oweh's return was expected, but is nevertheless exciting.

"A decision that I don't there was a lot of suspense," Pilgrim said. "I don't think there was ever a lot of worry around Lexington, but that will never, ever, ever minimize the importance of this decision."

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Oweh's return is huge for Kentucky. The guard had a standout junior season in which he started in all 36 games and led the squad in scoring (16.2 points per game) and steals (1.6 per game). Oweh shot 49.2%, including 35.5% from beyond the arc.

The Wildcats' star brings leadership and versatility back to Kentucky and will aim to become a national champion in his senior season.