Mark Pope Makes Bold Promise to Kentucky Fans: “We Will Try Until the End to Have Him”
In a moment that fired up the Big Blue Nation, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope made a passionate and emphatic statement regarding rising star Otega Oweh. Speaking to fans and media in Lexington, Pope declared, “We will try until the end to have him,” making it clear that he and his staff are doing everything possible to convince Oweh to stay with the Wildcats for another season.
The statement sent waves of excitement through the Kentucky fanbase, many of whom are eager to see what Pope can build in his first year at the helm. The former BYU head coach knows the value of having a dynamic player like Oweh—a versatile guard known for his athleticism, defensive grit, and improving offensive game. Keeping him in Lexington could be a crucial step in establishing a strong foundation for Pope’s era.
Oweh, who transferred to Kentucky after a standout season at Oklahoma, impressed with his two-way ability and relentless energy on both ends of the court. Though rumors have circulated about his potential interest in the NBA Draft or transferring again, Pope’s comments suggest that the door remains open—and the pursuit is still very much alive.
“He’s a program-changer,” Pope added. “Otega’s toughness, his work ethic, and the way he approaches the game are exactly what we want our team to be built around.”
It’s a strategic and emotional appeal—not just to Oweh, but to the entire Kentucky community. Pope’s public commitment to retaining key talent signals his understanding of what it takes to win in the modern college basketball landscape: continuity, culture, and chemistry.
As Kentucky looks to bounce back from a string of underwhelming postseason performances, the retention of Oweh would be a significant win. It would give the Wildcats a proven guard with experience, upside, and leadership potential, not to mention a fan favorite.
Whether or not Oweh ultimately decides to stay remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Mark Pope is pulling out all the stops to make it happen. And for a program steeped in tradition and hungry for another championship run, that relentless pursuit is exactly what Kentucky fans were hoping for.
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