‘Stay or Leave’ Head Coach Mark Pope Breaks Silence on Stay guard Otega Oweh. A Revealing Moment that Drives away Doubts and Speculation about his Future With the Kentucky Wildcats..
In a revealing and heartfelt moment that may prove pivotal for the Kentucky Wildcats’ offseason narrative, head coach Mark Pope has finally broken his silence regarding sophomore guard Otega Oweh’s status with the team, addressing the swirling rumors about a possible transfer or early exit from the program. In doing so, Pope delivered a message that cuts through speculation and reaffirms the Wildcats’ direction heading into the next chapter of their storied basketball history.
For weeks, fans, analysts, and even some insiders have debated whether Oweh — the electric 6’5″ guard who averaged 16.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season — would remain in Lexington following the coaching change and ongoing roster shakeups. With the NCAA transfer portal more active than ever and the NBA draft always looming, the uncertainty surrounding Oweh’s future had begun to overshadow the optimism surrounding Pope’s new era at Kentucky.
But that fog was lifted this week, as Pope finally addressed the topic directly in an exclusive interview with local media following a team practice.
“Otega’s not going anywhere,” Pope said with quiet confidence. “He’s more locked in now than I’ve ever seen him. He’s efficient, he’s focused, and most importantly, he’s happy here. That’s something that sometimes gets lost in all the speculation — these guys are human, and he’s made it clear to us that he wants to be here.”
Pope’s comments offered a rare look into the personal and professional growth of Oweh, who transferred from Oklahoma ahead of the 2024-25 season and immediately became a key figure in the Wildcats’ backcourt. Despite early inconsistencies, Oweh blossomed into a dependable two-way threat, earning All-SEC Second Team honors and serving as a vocal leader in the locker room.
“He’s more efficient than he’s ever been before, by far,” Pope added. “But what makes Otega special isn’t just his athleticism or scoring. It’s how present he is. He’s learning to stay in the moment, not get caught up in the highs and lows, and that’s made him a much better player.”
Pope also shared a candid story about Oweh’s off-court development. In the early part of the spring semester, Oweh reportedly struggled with attending early morning classes — a routine adjustment many college athletes face. Rather than sweeping it under the rug, Pope used it as a teachable moment, pushing Oweh to build better habits.
“The way he responded to that challenge told me everything I needed to know about his character,” Pope said. “He didn’t pout or make excuses. He got up early, put in the work, and now he’s not just showing up — he’s excelling.”
The Wildcats, who finished last season with a 23–10 record and a second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament, are expected to return a core group of young talent alongside Oweh. Pope’s recent recruiting efforts have brought renewed excitement to Big Blue Nation, but it’s the confirmation of Oweh’s return that gives the team a true anchor heading into next year.
“Otega is one of those guys you build a program around,” Pope concluded. “He’s got the toughness, the skill set, and the heart. And now that he’s fully committed, I think fans are going to see just how high his ceiling really is.”
Looking Ahead
With Oweh staying in the fold, Pope and his staff can begin to solidify their rotation for the 2025-26 season. Oweh is expected to take on an even larger leadership role, both on and off the court, as the team integrates a new batch of high-level recruits and transfers.
Kentucky’s backcourt will be one of the most experienced in the SEC next season, and with Oweh leading the charge, the Wildcats may be positioned for a deeper tournament run than they’ve had in recent years. For fans who feared another offseason of high-profile departures, Pope’s announcement serves as both reassurance and inspiration.
And for Otega Oweh — once a question mark — the message is now crystal clear: he’s staying, and he’s just getting started.