Coach Mark Pope, along with Kentucky fans, awaits Otega Oweh’s decision on whether to return to Kentucky or enter the NBA draft, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.
“I’m texting with him now, trying to give him space,” Pope shared Tuesday in an exclusive interview with The Cats’ Pause from the SEC Spring Meeting in Florida.
Pope emphasized one key factor for his leading scorer’s choice.
“It’s all about where his heart lies,” Pope said. “He’s made great progress in workouts, getting strong positive feedback from NBA teams. There’s a place for him in the league eventually. It comes down to what his heart tells him.”
**Option 1: Oweh stays in the draft.**
“He’s dreamed of the NBA for years,” Pope noted. “If he feels this is his time, he’s got to go. That’s what we want for him.”
**Option 2: Oweh returns to Kentucky.**
“If his heart says he has unfinished business at Kentucky, wants to come back, grow his game, and boost his draft stock, then he should return,” Pope said. “This decision hinges on his heart—it’s what will drive him through the next year.”
As Kentucky’s leading scorer last season and likely leader for the 2026 Wildcats if he returns, Oweh’s choice puts Pope in a tough spot. What’s best for Oweh might not align with the team’s immediate needs.
Pope disagrees. “What’s best for Otega is best for Kentucky—always,” he said. “If his heart says come back, that’s great for us. If it says go to the NBA, that’s also great because he’ll thrive there. If his heart isn’t fully with us, he wouldn’t be at his best here. It’ll work out as it should.”
Fans hoped for a decision before the deadline, but Pope noted Oweh has one final NBA team workout Wednesday.
“Otega’s earned the right to make this call,” Pope said. “He’s a remarkable person with a bright future. I’m here to help him look within and decide what he truly wants.”
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