As the new season approaches, the Kentucky Wildcats are fired up and ready to prove doubters wrong. According to transfer guard Otega Oweh, this team is carrying a chip on its shoulder — and they plan to make some noise every time they step onto the court.
A New-Era Kentucky Team Poised for a Breakout
When former Wildcat DeAndre Liggins asked Oweh about the team’s identity heading into the year, the answer was straightforward — and emphatic.
“We’re all hungry. We’ve heard all the talk — that we don’t belong or that this isn’t the Kentucky people are used to,” Oweh said in an interview for the program’s Back in Blue series. “That just fuels us. We’re coming out every night to put on a show.”
Fans across Big Blue Nation can already feel the intensity.
Oweh, who transferred in from Oklahoma, made a name for himself last season with his relentless defense. But it was his offensive leap that really turned heads — he put up 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting an impressive 49.2% from the field, a standout performance in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
If he builds on that efficiency, Oweh could very well enter the SEC Player of the Year conversation. His reputation as one of the top two-way wings in college basketball is only growing, and with more opportunity in a system built for him, he’s ready to elevate his game even further.
Just as importantly, Kentucky needs his leadership. Last year’s squad showed moments of brilliance but fell short of a title run, largely due to injuries. This year’s roster is deep, driven, and locked in — perfectly aligned with head coach Mark Pope’s vision.
Oweh won’t be carrying the load alone. Teammates like Trent Noah, Brandon Garrison, and Collin Chandler bring depth and high-level ability. But when the Wildcats need a critical stop or a clutch basket, all eyes will be on Oweh. And he welcomes that pressure.
He’s not just focused on early-season highlights — he’s determined to be playing meaningful basketball deep into March and into April
