Breaking: Mark Pope Makes Heartfelt Plea to Kentucky Fans to Help Keep Otega Oweh in Lexington
In an emotional moment that captured the spirit of Big Blue Nation, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope made an impassioned appeal to fans across the Commonwealth — this time, not just for support on the court, but for something even deeper. Pope is making a public plea for their help in convincing rising star Otega Oweh to stay with the Wildcats.
“We need your hearts. We need your voices,” Pope said during an unexpected address at a fan meet-and-greet in Lexington on Friday night. “Otega is a special young man. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t come along very often — not just because of his athleticism, but because of his work ethic, his character, and his hunger to win.”
Oweh, a dynamic guard who transferred from Oklahoma and quickly won over Wildcat fans with his electric play, has become a focal point of Pope’s vision for the future of Kentucky basketball. But with the offseason in full swing and the transfer portal buzzing, Oweh’s future has come into question — leading to widespread speculation that he may be considering other options.
Pope, however, is leaving no stone unturned in his mission to keep Oweh in Lexington.
“Otega’s got choices, and I respect that,” Pope continued. “But what he also has is a family here. He has a fanbase that believes in him. And that’s where you come in. I need you to show him what it means to be loved by Big Blue Nation. I need you to help me help him see what we’re building — and how important he is to it.”
Fans in attendance responded with a standing ovation, some chanting Oweh’s name, others taking out their phones to post videos of Pope’s emotional speech. Within minutes, #StayOtega was trending on social media across Kentucky, with thousands of fans tagging the sophomore guard in heartfelt messages urging him to stay in blue and white.
The 6-foot-4 guard from New Jersey emerged as one of the most promising players on last year’s Kentucky team, averaging double-digit points per game and showcasing a relentless two-way game that made him a fan favorite. His energy on defense and explosiveness on the break earned comparisons to some of the greats who’ve worn the Kentucky uniform.
“Otega plays with heart. That’s why we love him,” said longtime fan Marcus Hill, who drove in from Elizabethtown to attend the event. “He plays like every possession matters. And you can see he wants to win. He’s exactly the kind of guy who can thrive under Coach Pope.”
Pope’s emotional appeal reflects not just his commitment to building a competitive roster, but also his belief in creating a culture rooted in loyalty, trust, and connection. As a former Kentucky player himself, Pope knows the power of the fanbase — and he’s now tapping into that reservoir of passion in hopes of retaining one of the program’s rising stars.
In a follow-up post on X (formerly Twitter), Pope wrote:
“@OtegaOweh — You’re one of us. You belong here. This is your home. Let’s make history together. #BBN”
As Kentucky looks to reestablish itself as a national contender under Pope’s leadership, the retention of key players like Oweh could be critical to that journey. While no official decision has been made, Pope’s public plea may well tip the scales.
One thing is certain: Big Blue Nation has been called to action — and they’re answering with love.
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