With the NCAA tournament fast approaching, excitement is surging around the Kentucky Wildcats, led by standout player Otega Oweh, who has issued a passionate rallying cry to energize fans. As Kentucky prepares to open their tournament run against the Troy Trojans on Friday, Oweh is determined to ignite the fanbase and set the tone for the journey ahead. His message—“The time is now; let’s make history together!”—captures his intense focus and unwavering commitment to leading the Wildcats toward greatness.
Kentucky’s program is steeped in tradition, known for its championships, iconic players, and unforgettable moments. For Oweh, this rally is about more than just winning games—it’s about honoring the legacy of those who came before and living up to the expectations of loyal fans, alumni, and the coaching staff. Fully aware of the program’s historic weight, Oweh understands the responsibility he and his teammates carry into every game.
Friday’s matchup is just the first step in what Oweh hopes will be a deep tournament run. With the high-stakes, single-elimination format, each game is a must-win, and Kentucky’s resilience will be tested. Oweh’s leadership, competitive fire, and experience in high-pressure moments will be vital as the Wildcats aim to advance through the bracket.
Kentucky enters the tournament with a strong record and high hopes, but they’re not overlooking any opponent. The hunger and determination of teams nationwide create fierce competition, and Kentucky knows they must bring their best every night. Oweh’s message also serves as a call to the Wildcats faithful—he recognizes the power of the fans in creating an atmosphere that can fuel the team’s performance and turn arenas into walls of support.
For Kentucky fans, this feels like a pivotal moment—a chance to rally behind their team as they face Troy and beyond. Oweh’s passionate words reflect a squad ready to give everything for a shot at glory and to carve their own chapter into the program’s storied history.
As tip-off nears, Oweh’s rallying cry is more than motivation—it’s a united call to action for the entire Wildcats community. Whether cheering courtside, watching from home, or supporting online, fans are urged to stand with the team. The moment is here, and with Oweh leading the way, Kentucky is ready to make their mark on this year’s NCAA tournament.
Mark Pope creates history by becoming the first head coach of the NCAA and the coach of the Kentucky Wildcats to be invited to the prestigious Presidents Cup!
Mark Pope Makes History: First NCAA and Kentucky Wildcats Coach Invited to the Prestigious Presidents Cup
In a historic and unprecedented moment for college basketball, Mark Pope, head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, has become the first NCAA head coach ever to receive an invitation to the prestigious Presidents Cup. This remarkable honor not only celebrates Pope’s exceptional leadership but also marks a significant milestone for college athletics.
The Presidents Cup, known for recognizing excellence across sports, leadership, and diplomacy, typically reserves its invitations for elite figures from professional leagues or other high-profile arenas. Pope’s inclusion signals a shift — an acknowledgment of the profound impact college coaches have in shaping the future of sports and developing leaders on and off the court.
Pope’s rise to this moment has been driven by his relentless dedication, vision, and his deep commitment to his players and the Kentucky program. Renowned for developing talent, cultivating a winning culture, and fostering strong player relationships, Pope has solidified Kentucky’s position as a national powerhouse. His success hasn’t gone unnoticed — this invitation is a testament to the widespread respect he commands within and beyond the college basketball world.
Before leading the Wildcats, Pope made his mark at Utah Valley University, where he turned the program into a competitive force. His coaching philosophy — rooted in team culture, strong defense, and personal development — has carried over seamlessly to Kentucky. Under his leadership, the Wildcats have remained consistent contenders, earning national recognition year after year.
What makes this invitation even more significant is the spotlight it places on the growing importance of collegiate athletics. Long seen as a springboard for professional careers, college basketball is now gaining recognition as a space where leaders, mentors, and innovators like Pope are shaping the sport in lasting ways. His influence stretches beyond the sidelines — he’s become a respected voice in sports leadership.
Joining a select group of global leaders invited to the Presidents Cup, Pope’s inclusion reflects the increasing value placed on college coaching and its critical role in shaping future generations of athletes. Often overshadowed by their professional counterparts, college coaches like Pope are instrumental in nurturing talent and developing well-rounded individuals ready to succeed in every aspect of life.
Pope’s commitment to character development and leadership further amplifies the significance of this honor. Known for preparing his players not just for success on the court but in life, Pope focuses on molding individuals ready for careers, relationships, and the challenges ahead — a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the values the Presidents Cup represents.
This moment also signifies a broader shift in how sports leadership is viewed globally. Pope’s invitation sends a strong message: collegiate athletics is a powerful platform for leadership, influence, and societal impact. Coaches like Mark Pope are shaping not only the next generation of athletes but also future leaders.
Ultimately, Mark Pope’s historic invitation is a well-deserved recognition of his impact — a milestone that elevates not just his legacy but that of NCAA coaches everywhere. As he continues to guide the Kentucky Wildcats, this honor will undoubtedly inspire future athletes, coaches, and leaders, reinforcing the vital role of college sports in shaping the world of athletics and beyond.
GOOD NEWS: Kentucky University has received congratulations. After reaching a major milestone for the university basketball program, rising star Otegah Oweh achieved a unique accomplishment in college basketball by winning the Oscar Robertson Midseason Trophy Award and the coveted 2025 Bob Cousy Award in a spectacular show of dominance on the court.
Otega Oweh’s Meteoric Rise: A Landmark Moment for Kentucky Basketball
A Historic Breakthrough
In a game that demands both individual excellence and strong team dynamics, few players rise as swiftly and impressively as Otega Oweh. The Kentucky University standout has had a phenomenal journey, achieving milestones that are reshaping the program’s legacy and setting new benchmarks in college basketball.
Oweh recently cemented his place in history by capturing two of the sport’s most coveted honors — the 2025 Bob Cousy Award and the Oscar Robertson Midseason Trophy. Winning either is a rare accomplishment; claiming both is a testament to Oweh’s dominance, talent, and relentless work ethic.
The Bob Cousy Award, named after the legendary Hall of Fame point guard, is awarded to the nation’s top point guard, while the Oscar Robertson Midseason Trophy honors the best overall player halfway through the season. Together, these accolades highlight Oweh’s versatility and complete mastery of the game.
For Kentucky, Oweh’s achievements mark a defining moment in their proud basketball history. A program known for producing elite talent now boasts another rising star whose performance has drawn national attention and added a new chapter to the Wildcats’ legacy.
A Star on the Rise
From his first game, Oweh’s talent was undeniable. Standing 6-foot-7, his rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ quickly established him as a player to watch. What truly separates Oweh is his versatility — effortlessly switching between guard and forward, attacking the basket, shooting from range, and creating plays for teammates.
His all-around game has made him a nightmare for defenders and a constant difference-maker. Whether slashing through the lane, pulling up for a jumper, or delivering pinpoint passes, Oweh’s impact is felt in every possession. Coaches and analysts alike praise his selflessness, high-level court awareness, and ability to make everyone around him better.
Oweh’s relentless work ethic fuels his success. He’s known for logging countless hours in the gym, constantly sharpening his shooting, ball-handling, and defensive skills. That dedication, paired with his natural talent, has made him one of the NCAA’s most complete players.
Off the court, Oweh is equally impressive — a respected leader whose maturity and accountability inspire his teammates. His presence has been instrumental in Kentucky’s strong season, both in the locker room and on the floor.
The Bob Cousy Award: A Testament to Elite Guard Play
Winning the Bob Cousy Award places Oweh among the best point guards in college basketball. Known for honoring players who excel in scoring, playmaking, leadership, and overall game management, the award reflects Oweh’s well-rounded abilities
Kentucky lost in a terrible fashion a week ago. This is what transpired the following morning.
The last time Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats hit the court, it was a rough outing.
They traveled to Nashville aiming to capture the SEC Tournament title, but instead, they left embarrassed. Alabama handed them a crushing 99-70 loss in the quarterfinals, marking the most lopsided defeat Kentucky has ever suffered in the tournament — a competition they’ve traditionally dominated. It was one of the worst losses the program has experienced in years.
That night, Pope — a coach known for his optimism and emphasis on moving past both wins and losses quickly — admitted he wanted this one to stick. “I hope it’s really hard,” he said, referring to the emotional aftermath.
“I’m glad none of you were there Saturday morning,” he added. “Friday night was brutal. Saturday morning was brutal. You go through a grieving process — that’s what it is. And there are a lot of things I’m not good at — I’m a terrible loser. I don’t handle it well, and it hurts. It hurts our players.”
Pope revealed that several players — Lamont Butler, Collin Chandler, Otega Oweh, and Travis Perry — suffered injuries during the game, though all are expected to play in the NCAA Tournament. Beyond the physical pain, the emotional toll was just as heavy.
“The thing about this group is their resilience, and that’s something we emphasize,” Pope said. “We suffered together that night and again that morning. But we faced it head-on and then closed the door.”
When asked about that Saturday morning meeting, players’ expressions shifted, reflecting just how intense it was. Jaxson Robinson — sidelined for the season with a wrist injury — is still a vocal leader in the locker room. Having played for Pope at BYU, Robinson knows him better than anyone on the team. When the topic of that morning came up, Robinson’s eyes widened. After a brief pause, he smirked and said, “Umm… I don’t think I’ve ever seen Coach Pope that mad.”
Normally, Kentucky flies back to Lexington the night of a game. But after that loss, they stayed in Nashville — partly because the game ended after midnight and partly because they didn’t expect to lose. “Nobody packed,” Chandler said. “We planned on winning.”
Instead, after being outscored 54-32 in the second half, they were forced to face the harsh reality. Pope and his staff stayed up until 3 or 4 a.m. reviewing game footage. By morning, they gathered the team for breakfast and an honest conversation.
“He was really upset,” sophomore Brandon Garrison shared. “It wasn’t just that we lost — it was that we didn’t play like we had all season. He was disappointed.” Garrison described the meeting as tough love, a sentiment echoed throughout the team.
“It was intense,” Perry admitted. “But it was necessary. We needed that reset — to stop sulking, own what we did wrong, and refocus for the next game.”
Despite the sting of the loss, Pope made it clear he wanted them to sit with that failure. “He wanted it to motivate us,” Perry added. “He didn’t want us to just brush it off.”
During the meeting, Pope spoke at length — but he made sure the players spoke, too. “He forces us to talk, even when we don’t want to,” Garrison said. Garrison, who transferred from Oklahoma State, credited Pope for pushing him out of his comfort zone, both on and off the court. “It’s made me a better player and person. Speaking up has brought us closer as a team.”
By Monday, Pope admitted on his radio show that the meeting had been “animated” and “intense.” But his goal wasn’t to make anyone feel worse — it was to learn, regroup, and remind everyone what was at stake.
“I think it was needed,” Robinson said. “And I think everyone has responded well. We’re ready to get back out there.”
Saturday morning served as a turning point. They addressed what went wrong, watched the game film, and confronted the reality: one more loss, and their season ends. “It’s win or go home now,” Chandler said. “That’s in the front of our minds. This is where fight or flight kicks in.”
Robinson admitted the team was shaken leaving that meeting — but that’s part of the process. “That’s basketball. You get knocked down, you get back up.”
Now, all eyes are on how Kentucky responds. The team has had a strong season, with wins over top programs like Duke, Louisville, and Tennessee. But Friday night’s NCAA Tournament game against Troy, just a week after their worst loss, is what matters most.
“It really is like going through the five stages of grief,” Pope said. “But the goal is twofold: learn everything we can from this and get to a place of healing and focus. And this group? They’re incredible at that. By the time we boarded the plane, you could feel the shift — less pain, more determination and excitement to attack the tournament.”
Breaking: A sensation from Kentucky Finally Issues a Final Decision Regarding His Future With Otega’s opening up, fans are now split.
Otega Oweh, a talented guard for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the team, putting an end to recent rumours that he might transfer or leave. Fans have responded to this news in a variety of ways, expressing both relief and further conjecture regarding his future. The Effect of Otega Oweh on Kentucky Basketball
Before the 2024–2025 season, Oweh, a 6-foot-4 guard from Newark, New Jersey, transferred from the University of Oklahoma to Kentucky. Given his agility, defensive brilliance, and developing attacking abilities, there were great hopes when he arrived. In his second year at Oklahoma, Oweh showed notable growth, especially in his three-point shooting, which went from 25% to 37.7%. He averaged 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Oweh made a name for himself as a major contributor at Kentucky very fast. With an average of 15.7 points per game this season, he leads the club in scoring. He also averages four rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He shoots 37.5% from beyond the arc and 52.5% from the field, demonstrating remarkable efficiency. Conjecture and Dedication
Rumours about Oweh’s future with the Wildcats surfaced after Kentucky’s shocking elimination from the NCAA tournament. Fan concern over a possible transfer was stoked by reports that other well-known programs, including as Duke, Kansas, and Texas, were interested. Oweh responded to these rumours on social media by declaring categorically, “I will stay.” I’m from Kentucky, and I think this program and Coach [Mark] Pope are doing a great job. Despite the difficulties we’ve encountered, my brothers and I are determined to persevere. We’re returning stronger, Big Blue Nation!
Fan Responses The Kentucky fan base’s reaction has been divided. Oweh’s decision was met with relief and joy by many fans, who saw it as a sign of hope for the team’s chances in the next campaign. Soon after his declaration, hashtags like #OwehStays and #BigBlueFamily went viral, and social media was inundated with expressions of support. On the other hand, some supporters are still dubious because they are worried about the early rumours and the possibility of more departures. The necessity for the program to address underlying problems that might have fuelled the rumours has come up for discussion, with a focus on player contentment and stability.
Gazing Ahead Oweh’s dedication lays the groundwork for the Wildcats’ preparation for the upcoming campaign and strengthens Kentucky’s backcourt. The team’s strategy and performance are anticipated to be greatly influenced by his leadership and adaptability on the court. Oweh’s choice, according to head coach Mark Pope, is a positive indication of the program’s tenacity and growth potential. Oweh is expected to be a key component of the Wildcats’ attempts to regain prominence in college basketball as they reassemble and plan for the forthcoming campaign. The fans’ conflicting responses underscore the intricacies of contemporary collegiate athletics, when program dynamics and player movements are closely examined.
Otega Oweh’s reaffirmation of his dedication to Kentucky has spurred conversations about the program’s future direction while also allaying present fears. As the Wildcats look to carry on their tradition and succeed in the upcoming seasons, his leadership and ongoing development will be crucial.
Kentucky vs. Troy viewing information, what to look for, picks, and the trip to the Final Four
Will Mark Pope get his first NCAA Tournament victory?
March Madness has arrived, friends!
Mark Pope, just 11 months after taking over as head coach of Kentucky basketball, has led the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament, where they are seeded third. However, Kentucky has lost in the first round as a 3-seed or higher in two of the last three seasons, and the school has not advanced to the second weekend since 2019.
Will Pope win his first NCAA Tournament and make a run?
The Troy Trojans, seeded 14th, will be the first challenger. Troy, under by sixth-year head coach Scott Cross, is making their first NCAA Tournament participation since 2017 and its third overall.
The Trojans, dubbed a mid-major counterpart of Texas A&M, are a tough team with good defensive and rebounding averages. They’re exactly the type of club that can muddy the waters and turn this into an ugly NCAA Tournament game in which neither side builds a significant lead while scrapping for a win.
Let’s look at the matchups.
Win the rebounding battle.
The Trojans’ strong suit is offensive rebounding, which ranks fourth nationally in offensive rebounding percentage (37.7%) and twelfth in offensive rebounds per game (11.8).
Fortunately for the Wildcats, they have faced and defeated several teams who excel at offensive rebounding, including Texas A&M (1st), Florida (8th), and Duke (25th).
Kentucky will have a size edge, as Troy’s tallest starter is 6-foot-8. However, they attack the boards as a group. The Wildcats must be the team that wants it the most.
Dictate the pace
Troy is a squad that prefers to play slowly and “muck it up,” which has historically resulted in NCAA Tournament shocks. While Kentucky may have the potential to overwhelm a 14-seed, this Trojans team will most likely prevent that from happening.
Troy is a surprisingly athletic squad, but Kentucky has both size and talent advantages. impose your will on a weaker team.
Or, as Mark Fox instructs the squad, “Be the hammer, not the nail.”
Win the turnover battle.
Troy’s second-most important strength is their ability to manufacture turnovers, making their opponents to turn the ball over more than 13 times per game and averaging nine thefts per game.
However, they suffer with ball control, coughing it up more than 13 times a game on average. Expect this game to have a high turnover rate.
Taking care of the ball, which was always a strength for Kentucky, has become more difficult this season as guard injuries have increased. Over the previous nine games, Kentucky has turned the ball over an average of 12.5 times per game, including 16 against Alabama in the SEC Tournament.
As potent as the Wildcat offense is, they cannot afford to give away possessions or enable a below-average Troy squad to score easy points off mistakes.
Kentucky Wildcats Basketball’s Path to the Final Four
If you look at Kentucky’s bracket, there should be few complaints.
Houston has the poorest offense among the one-seeds. Kentucky will face one of the two seeds, Tennessee, whom they know well and have defeated twice. The Vols remain a very dangerous team, but this is still preferable to having, say, Alabama as the second seed.
McNeese and Utah State have several frightening double-digit seeds. There are no obvious’matchup nightmares’ for Kentucky. Even without Jaxson Robinson, everyone in Kentucky’s region seems to be beatable, which didn’t seem possible if Alabama, Florida, or Auburn were in the mix.
Another significant advantage is travel. From a geographical viewpoint, Milwaukee and Indianapolis are the greatest places for supporters to go to and are easily within reach for Kentucky fans, especially with Coach Pope agreeing to assist with gas money.
Is Kentucky favored to advance to the Final Four from this region? No. In fact, FanDuel offers Kentucky the fourth-best chances to win at +1000. Houston (+120) and Tennessee (+370) are well ahead, but you might be shocked to see 8-seed Gonzaga with higher odds (+800).
Have injuries harmed the ceiling of this roster? Yes. In March, it’s all about giving yourself the opportunity. Pope and the Cats have an opportunity to make some noise. And you never know when an upset will widen a region’s outlook ahead of the Big Dance.
Overall, if Kentucky makes it to the Final Four, it will most likely face Troy, Illinois in the Orlando Antigua Bowl, Tennessee in Round 3, and a Houston team that is the most probable 1-seed to miss out.
It’s daunting, but not impossible.
Players to watch include
G Tayton Conerway, 6-3, 186 lbs.
Results: 14.3 PPG
4.8 APG
4.6 RPG.
Sun Belt Player of the Year:
F Myles Rigsby (6-6, 190 lbs).
12.0 PPG
4.0 RPG;
45.4% FG.
F Thomas Dowd
6-8, 225 pounds.
9.8 PPG
6.8 RPG; 1.0 SPG.
Kentucky Basketball against Troy Trojans
Time: 7:10 PM ET, March 21st.
Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
TV Channel: CBS
Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner, Stan Van Gundy, and Lauren Shehadi will announce the action.
March Madness Live is available online, but access requires a valid cable login. However, there is a free trial period of one hour.
Tom Leach and Jack Givens will handle the call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: Check local listings on CBS Sports Network and March Madness Live!
Rosters: UK | Troy
Statistics to Know: UK | TROY.
KenPom: UK, TROY
Teamsheet: UK | TROY
Will Duke basketball win the championship? The Blue Devils’ route to the NCAA Tournament championship is shown below.
Duke enters the NCAA Tournament as a dominant force, widely expected to make a deep run to the Final Four in San Antonio. The Blue Devils, ranked No. 1 in the AP poll and holding the No. 2 overall seed in the 68-team tournament, boast an impressive 31-3 record and have suffered only one loss since Thanksgiving.
Their efficiency rating, measured by KenPom, stands at an astounding 38.15—the highest in the country since Duke’s 2001 championship team finished at 37.32. The only team to ever post a higher KenPom efficiency at this stage? The 1999 Duke squad, which recorded a 43.01 efficiency but ultimately fell to Connecticut in the national championship game. While this year’s Blue Devils have positioned themselves as one of the most statistically dominant teams in recent history, there are no guarantees in March Madness, a tournament known for its unpredictability.
Duke’s journey through the East Region won’t be easy. The field includes last year’s Final Four participant, Alabama, as well as Wisconsin, the Big Ten tournament runner-up. Arizona, the No. 4 seed, ranks 14th nationally in KenPom efficiency, while No. 5 seed Oregon has compiled an impressive résumé with victories over Alabama, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, and Maryland.
Before Duke can set its sights on the Final Four, it must first navigate the early rounds. In their opening game, the Blue Devils will be heavy favorites against either American University (22-12) or Mount St. Mary’s (22-12), two No. 16 seeds that will face off in a First Four matchup in Dayton on Wednesday. The winner of that game will take on Duke at 2:50 p.m. Friday at Lenovo Center.
While Duke’s historically high KenPom rating suggests a significant mismatch, history has shown that even powerhouse teams aren’t immune to early upsets. The Blue Devils have previously fallen to lower-seeded teams in the NCAA Tournament, including a stunning 2014 loss to No. 14 seed Mercer in this same Raleigh venue.
As the tournament unfolds, Duke will need to prove its dominance on the court, overcoming the challenges and unpredictability that make March Madness one of the most thrilling spectacles in sports.
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