KSR Today: Decision Day Drama Will Otega Oweh Return to Kentucky?
It’s that day again one that Kentucky basketball fans know all too well. The NBA Draft Withdrawal Deadline has arrived, and once again, the Big Blue Nation is holding its collective breath.
At the center of today’s tension is Otega Oweh, the explosive, high-motor guard whose return could turn Mark Pope’s second-year Wildcats into instant national contenders. With the deadline set for midnight, all eyes are on Oweh as he decides between chasing his NBA dream now or coming back to college to become a household name and All-American in Lexington.
The Midnight Wait — Déjà Vu for BBN
If this feels familiar, it’s because it is. Kentucky fans have danced this emotional tango before. Who could forget Hamidou Diallo, who waited until the literal final hour to announce he’d stay in college? Or more recently, Jaxson Robinson, who pushed past the supposed deadline altogether before confirming he’d transfer from BYU to Kentucky well into the next day.
Oweh might be following that blueprint, too. While most signs over the past few weeks pointed toward a return, new developments have left the fan base twisting in the wind.
NBA teams, according to CBS’ Matt Norlander, have been giving Oweh “really, really good feedback” over the last five days. And Coach Mark Pope added during SEC Spring Meetings that Oweh had one final workout scheduled today meaning any decision could come well after midnight… if not later.
Why Oweh’s Return Is So Important
Make no mistake this decision is massive.
If Oweh returns, he becomes one of the most dynamic two-way guards in college basketball. He’s already shown elite athleticism, defensive grit, and the ability to take over games. Under Pope’s system, his game could blossom further, likely earning him preseason All-American honors and a potential lottery spot in 2026.
His presence would also stabilize Kentucky’s backcourt and raise the team’s ceiling dramatically. He’s the kind of piece that turns a good roster into a Final Four-caliber squad especially alongside talents like Collin Chandler, Kerr Kriisa, and Lamont Butler.
What Happens If He Leaves?
If Oweh hears what he wants to hear from NBA front offices and chooses to stay in the draft, it won’t crush Kentucky’s chances but it will sting. He’s not easily replaced. His departure would mean Pope likely keeps the transfer portal open for another late addition, or he leans on young guys to step into larger roles sooner than expected.
Still, the Wildcats would be deep, talented, and dangerous just not quite as formidable without Oweh’s all-around impact.
Around the Country: Big Names Staying Put
Oweh isn’t the only player facing this decision today. Across college basketball, major names have already taken themselves out of the NBA Draft to return for another run at glory.
- Alex Condon is staying at Florida to team up with Boogie Fland.
- Milos Uzan is back at Houston, giving the Cougars a shot to start the year at No. 1.
- Yaxel Lendeborg, a rebounding machine Kentucky tried to land, is returning to Michigan.
- Karter Knox (Arkansas) and Mackenzie Mgbako (Texas A&M) are both staying put in the SEC.
Each of these decisions is shaping the college basketball landscape for next season but none will be felt more powerfully in Lexington than Otega Oweh’s.
Will He Return?
The clock is ticking, and the uncertainty looms large. But if Oweh comes back, Kentucky fans might erupt with celebration the likes of which we haven’t seen since a Final Four run.
Will he stay and become a Kentucky legend, or leave to begin the next chapter in the NBA?
Whatever the outcome, one thing’s for sure: BBN is ready to ride this out to the final second and maybe even beyond.
Stay tuned. This one’s coming down to the wire.
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