Mark Pope made a bold move ahead of the 2024-25 college basketball season when he accepted the head coaching job at the University of Kentucky. Taking the reins from John Calipari, who had helmed the program for over a decade, Pope stepped into one of the most prestigious and high-pressure roles in college basketball. He arrived in Lexington following an impressive five-year stint at BYU, where he developed a reputation for building competitive teams and emphasizing strong fundamentals.
In his first season back at his alma mater, Pope quickly proved he belonged. He led the Wildcats to a 24-12 record and guided them to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament — a strong foundation for a new era of Kentucky basketball. Expectations are high as the program enters the offseason, a critical period for shaping the future roster and refining the team’s identity for the 2025-26 campaign.
However, Pope’s offseason hit an early hurdle with some tough news. Guard Otega Oweh, who had a breakout year for the Wildcats, announced via Instagram that he is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft while maintaining his NCAA eligibility. In his heartfelt message, Oweh thanked Big Blue Nation for their support and said playing at Kentucky had been “a dream come true.”
Oweh transferred to Kentucky after two seasons at Oklahoma, where he averaged 11.4 points in his sophomore year. With the Wildcats, he elevated his game, becoming a key contributor with 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. His potential departure, even if temporary, leaves a significant gap in the backcourt.
Additionally, Kentucky lost veteran guard Kerr Kriisa to the NCAA transfer portal. Kriisa has since committed to Cincinnati, where he’ll play his sixth and final college season.
Despite these losses, Pope and his staff have been active in rebuilding the roster. The Wildcats have already landed several key transfers this spring, including Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama), Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh), Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State), and Kam Williams (Tulane), signaling that Kentucky is not standing still.
While losing Oweh and Kriisa creates challenges, Pope has already shown he can navigate adversity. With more offseason moves likely ahead, Kentucky fans have reason to remain optimistic about the direction of the program.
