Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh has officially withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft and will return for his senior season, as confirmed by his agent Wilmer Jackson of Spencer Sports. Oweh expressed that while he received valuable feedback from NBA teams, the consensus was to enhance his skills and draft stock by returning to college basketball. "I want to try and up my stock even more, and put myself in a position to win a national championship with all the possible accolades that come with that," he stated.

Oweh, a 6-foot-5 guard from New Jersey, had a standout season after transferring to Kentucky from Oklahoma last spring. He achieved career highs, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, which earned him second-team All-SEC honors. His performance peaked in February and March, where he scored 20 or more points in eight games, including two decisive game-winners against his former team.

Invited to the NBA Draft Combine, Oweh showcased his talent in the scrimmages, scoring 10 points and three assists in one game and following up with 14 points and five rebounds in another. He was also noted for being one of the best defenders at the camp.

With Oweh's return, Kentucky is poised to be a strong contender, despite losing four of its five starters from the previous season. The Wildcats have bolstered their roster through the transfer portal and recruiting, bringing in several top players, including Jayden Quaintance and Jaland Lowe.

Oweh aims to take on a leadership role as one of the few returning players, stating, "My mindset is trying to be the alpha guy. I need to be that voice that leads the team." Kentucky is set to kick off the 2025-26 season with exhibition games against Purdue and Georgetown, and Oweh's presence is expected to significantly impact the team's pursuit of a ninth national championship.