Dickie V Crowns Otega Oweh a “Rolls Royce” Star — Big Blue Nation Smiles

Dickie V Crowns Otega Oweh a “Rolls Royce” Star — Big Blue Nation Smiles

When Dick Vitale speaks, college basketball still listens. His voice  raspy, electric, impossible to ignore  has been the soundtrack of the sport for decades. And now, as the 2025-26 season approaches, the legendary analyst has singled out Kentucky guard Otega Oweh for one of his highest preseason honors: a spot on his All-Rolls Royce Team.

For those unfamiliar, this isn’t just another preseason list tossed into the October wind. To Vitale, “Rolls Royce” is the ultimate compliment  reserved for players who combine performance, skill, and charisma at the very highest level. Just as Rolls Royce automobiles stand for elegance, craftsmanship, and unmatched quality, Vitale’s chosen players embody those same traits on the hardwood.

And there, nestled among the nation’s top talents, sits Kentucky’s own No. 00, Otega Oweh.

“The Wildcats’ Rolls Royce Slasher”

Vitale didn’t mince words about why Oweh belonged:

“Big Blue Nation loves this guy,” he raved. “He’s strong, explosive, and clutch. He hit not one, but TWO game-winners last year. He’s the Wildcats’ Rolls Royce slasher.”

Kentucky fans don’t need convincing. They’ve watched Oweh’s transformation from talented transfer to cornerstone star under Mark Pope. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, Oweh brings the kind of physicality that overwhelms defenders, paired with a fearless attacking style that makes him a nightmare in late-game situations.

Clutch? That doesn’t even begin to cover it. Last season, he delivered multiple dagger shots that sent Rupp Arena into chaos  moments that cemented him not just as a scorer, but as a leader who thrives when the pressure mounts.

The Full Rolls Royce Lineup

Oweh wasn’t the only player to earn Vitale’s luxury-tier praise. The complete list showcased 10 players split into two “teams” of stars.

First Team

• PJ Haggerty, Kansas State
• Braden Smith, Purdue
• JT Toppin, Texas Tech
• Graham Ike, Gonzaga
• Bennett Stirtz, Iowa

Second Team

• Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
• Donovan Dent, UCLA
• Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
• Emanuel Sharp, Houston
• Otega Oweh, Kentucky

Notably, Oweh is the lone SEC representative on Vitale’s Rolls Royce teams — a symbolic nod that the Wildcats still set the standard in the league.

Diaper Dandies and Future Rivals

Vitale also unveiled his Preseason Diaper Dandies  the top freshmen set to make waves this year. Among them are several names Kentucky fans will recognize: Darryn Peterson (Kansas), A.J. Dybantsa (BYU), Cameron Boozer (Duke), Nate Ament (Tennessee), Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville), and Darius Acuff (Arkansas).

The SEC and ACC battlegrounds will be littered with these elite newcomers. But Oweh, as a seasoned senior, gives Kentucky something invaluable: a proven star in a year where experience could outweigh hype.

Mark Pope’s Vision for Oweh

No one has been louder about Oweh’s potential than his head coach, Mark Pope.

“He’s going to grow  he’s going to grow exponentially again, and he’s going to help us win a ton of games,” Pope told KSR earlier this summer. “He’s going to play great basketball and he’s going to put himself in even better position to be a pro.”

Pope has even suggested that Oweh could be the best defensive player in the country while simultaneously developing into an elite-level playmaker. If those words hold true, Vitale’s preseason recognition could just be the start of something bigger  like an SEC Player of the Year trophy, or even All-American honors.

Why This Matters for Big Blue Nation

For Kentucky fans, Vitale’s stamp of approval is more than preseason noise. It’s a reminder that this year’s team isn’t just reloading; it’s anchored by veterans who have already proven they can deliver on the biggest stage.

In an era where rosters churn yearly and freshmen dominate headlines, Oweh represents something steady: experience, toughness, and loyalty to the jersey. He’s not just another name on a list. He’s the kind of player Kentucky can build around — the kind of player who turns October hype into March banners.

Final Word

Rolls Royce cars are built to last, built to perform, and built to make a statement wherever they go. Otega Oweh fits that mold perfectly. He’s sleek, powerful, and ready to roll past defenders on the road to glory.

As Vitale himself might scream into the mic:
“Are you serious, baby?! Otega Oweh is the Wildcats’ Rolls Royce, and he’s ready to drive Kentucky back to the top!”