The Kentucky Wildcats’ 2025 NCAA Tournament run came to an end in the Sweet 16, as they fell to Tennessee 78-65 on March 28 in Indianapolis. Despite the disappointing loss, sophomore guard Otega Oweh had nothing but praise for his teammates and head coach Mark Pope, describing the season as the most enjoyable of his basketball career.
Oweh, who transferred from Oklahoma before the season, played a crucial role in Kentucky’s success. He averaged 16.3 points per game and was one of the team’s most consistent scorers. After the game, he reflected on the journey and what it meant to him.
“This is the most fun I’ve had playing basketball ever,” Oweh told reporters. “Coach Pope brings so much energy and confidence to the team. He’s more like a teacher, and he pumps unlimited confidence into his guys. That’s huge when you’re a basketball player. I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”
Pope, who took over as Kentucky’s head coach after John Calipari’s departure, has earned praise for his unique coaching approach. Throughout the season, he emphasized player development and confidence-building. Oweh thrived under this system, emerging as one of the team’s most reliable scorers and defenders.
Pope spoke highly of Oweh’s contributions, particularly his work ethic and efficiency on the court. “Otega is a guy who never needs the ball in his hands a ton, but he always finds a way to make an impact,” Pope said. “He shot 36 percent from three, played tough defense, and gave us consistency. He’s been a leader for this group.”
The loss to Tennessee was a tough one for the Wildcats, as they struggled to match the Volunteers’ physicality and defensive pressure. Despite a strong start, Kentucky fell behind in the second half and couldn’t recover. Oweh led the team with 18 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Tennessee’s balanced attack.
Reflecting on the game, Oweh acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic about the future. “We fought hard, but Tennessee is a great team,” he said. “This one hurts, but I know we’ll learn from it and get better.”
With one more season of NCAA eligibility remaining, Oweh’s decision about whether to return to Kentucky or declare for the NBA Draft will be a major storyline in the coming months. His strong performance this season has put him on the radar of professional scouts, but he has not yet made a final decision about his future.
If he chooses to stay, Kentucky will benefit greatly from his scoring ability and leadership. Pope and his coaching staff will likely focus on reloading the roster and preparing for another deep tournament run next season.
For now, Oweh remains focused on appreciating the journey and the relationships he has built at Kentucky. “It’s been an incredible year,” he said. “No matter what happens next, I’ll always be grateful for my time here.”
Here’s a 500-word article covering Otega Oweh’s reflections on Kentucky’s Sweet 16 loss and his experience playing for Mark Pope. Let me know if you’d like any edits or additions!
