“My Wife Won Our Little Bet” — Mark Pope Concedes $5,000 to Wife Lee Anne After She Correctly Predicted Otega Oweh’s Return to Kentucky
In an unexpected yet heartwarming twist to the University of Kentucky’s basketball offseason, head coach Mark Pope found himself on the losing side of a high-stakes family wager. His wife, Lee Anne Pope, correctly predicted that standout guard Otega Oweh would withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to Lexington for another season. As a result, she walked away $5,000 richer — all thanks to her unwavering belief in the young athlete’s loyalty and long-term vision.
The couple’s friendly bet quickly became the talk of Big Blue Nation, adding a light-hearted moment to what is often a tense and speculative time of year. On Tuesday, when Oweh officially withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft and announced his return to Kentucky, Coach Pope took to social media and confirmed what many had suspected: Lee Anne was right all along.
A Family Bet with High Stakes
According to insiders close to the couple, the bet began as a playful debate over dinner. As rumors swirled about Oweh’s draft decision, Lee Anne firmly believed the guard would opt to return to Kentucky to further hone his skills and raise his draft stock. Mark Pope, who had been in close contact with the player and his representatives, was less optimistic.
“She kept saying, ‘He’s not done here yet. He’s coming back. Just watch,'” Mark recounted with a chuckle during a press appearance following the announcement. “I finally said, ‘Alright, let’s make it interesting.’ And that’s how we ended up with $5,000 on the line.”
The bet quickly became a light-hearted topic of discussion in the Pope household and among their friends. While Mark leaned on the pragmatic side, citing the increasing allure of the NBA and the reality of Oweh’s rising draft stock, Lee Anne held fast to her belief in the culture at Kentucky and the bond between Oweh and his teammates.
Oweh’s Decision: A Win for Kentucky
Oweh’s decision to return to Kentucky for another year is more than just a family win for the Popes — it’s a massive boost for the Wildcats. After transferring from Oklahoma and having a breakout season under Pope’s system, Oweh was widely expected to test the NBA waters. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and scoring potential had begun to catch the attention of scouts.
Still, the 6’5” guard opted to return, signaling his commitment to the team’s pursuit of a national championship and to personal development under Pope’s leadership.
In a statement released by the university, Oweh explained his decision:
“I took time to consider everything — my growth, my goals, and where I want to be a year from now. After talking it over with Coach Pope and my family, I know I’m not done at Kentucky. I’m coming back because we have unfinished business.”
Lee Anne’s confidence in that very sentiment has made her the unofficial MVP of the week among Wildcats fans, many of whom are crediting her intuition for delivering the program a huge offseason win.
The Human Side of Coaching
For Coach Pope, the moment provided a rare opportunity to reveal the human side of college coaching — the family dynamics, humor, and deep emotional investment that often go unseen.
“People think this job is all X’s and O’s,” Pope said. “But sometimes it’s about gut feelings, emotions, and relationships. Lee Anne has an incredible sense for these things. I’ll take the L and pay up gladly.”
The couple has long been known for their close bond and shared passion for the sport. Lee Anne, herself a former basketball player, has frequently been seen at games, events, and practices, serving as a supportive presence behind the scenes. Friends and colleagues often joke that she’s “the other coach” in the family.
Now, with a $5,000 win under her belt and a roster that just got significantly stronger, Lee Anne is basking in both personal and programmatic victory.
Reactions from Big Blue Nation
Social media erupted following Pope’s confession. Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with celebratory messages, memes, and playful comments.
“Give Lee Anne a seat on the bench!” one fan tweeted.
“She saw it before anyone else did — trust her scouting instincts,” wrote another.
The university even joined the fun, posting a picture of Lee Anne with the caption: “She called it. #BBN’s real insider.”
Looking Ahead
With Oweh’s return, Kentucky’s roster looks poised for a strong run next season. Pope’s first year as head coach has already been marked by excitement, bold recruiting moves, and now, some playful family competition. His willingness to publicly concede a loss — especially to his wife — only adds to his growing reputation as a coach who brings both intensity and relatability to one of college basketball’s most high-pressure roles.
As for Lee Anne, her prediction skills have earned her not just bragging rights and $5,000, but a place in the hearts of Kentucky fans everywhere.
Asked whether she plans to place any more bets this offseason, she laughed and said, “Only if I know I’m right.”
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