“Let’s Make It Happen, Bro!”: Jaland Lowe Sends Emotional Plea to Otega Oweh After Withdrawing From NBA Draft
In a college basketball world increasingly defined by NIL deals and early exits to the NBA, the University of Kentucky got a rare moment of continuity this week. Star guard Jaland Lowe shocked the basketball world when he officially withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft and announced his return to Lexington for another season with the Wildcats. But it was what came next that set social media ablaze — a heartfelt, public plea to teammate and fellow standout Otega Oweh.
“Let’s make it happen, bro!” Lowe posted late Thursday night on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of himself and Oweh celebrating a win. “I’m coming back to finish what we started. This team, this program, we’re right there. Don’t leave me hanging. One more run — let’s chase that natty.”
It was more than just a social media post. It was a message to Oweh — a junior wing with elite two-way potential — who is still weighing whether to keep his name in the NBA Draft or return for one more season at Kentucky. Lowe’s message was equal parts personal and strategic. And it resonated.
The Decision That Sparked the Message
Lowe, a 6-foot-2 point guard from Houston, had a breakout sophomore season with Kentucky, averaging 17.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. His electrifying play down the stretch of the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament solidified him as a potential late-first or early-second round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But with Kentucky’s Sweet Sixteen exit still fresh in his mind, Lowe said he felt “unfinished business” pulling him back.
“Coach Mark Pope laid it out for me straight,” Lowe told reporters. “We’ve got a squad coming back if the pieces fall in place. I had to ask myself — am I ready to leave this chapter, or do I want to make history in Lexington?”
Recruiting From Within
That potential “squad” hinges largely on one decision: what Otega Oweh will do.
Oweh, a 6-foot-5 guard-forward hybrid who transferred to Kentucky from Oklahoma in 2024, was a revelation this past season. Known for his ferocious defense, Oweh also averaged 13.7 points and shot 38% from deep — becoming the team’s emotional leader on and off the court.
While he received positive feedback from NBA scouts at the Draft Combine, many project Oweh as a second-round pick — a status that often comes with uncertainty and non-guaranteed contracts. His return to Kentucky could not only solidify his draft stock in 2026 but could elevate Kentucky to a legitimate national title favorite.
And that’s where Lowe’s message comes in.
“We’re not just teammates,” Lowe said during a Friday morning appearance on SEC Now. “That’s my brother. I want to go to war with him one more time. If we come back together? Nobody’s stopping us.”
The Fans Join the Campaign
Lowe’s post sparked a wildfire of support online. Kentucky fans flooded Oweh’s social media with comments and reposts of Lowe’s message. The hashtag #OneMoreRun trended regionally within hours.
“Run it back, Tega!!” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We’ve got something special. Don’t leave it on the table.”
Even former Wildcats joined in. NBA star Tyrese Maxey, a Kentucky alum, reposted Lowe’s message with the caption, “Y’all know what to do. Legacy over everything.”
What Oweh’s Decision Means
As of Friday afternoon, Oweh had yet to officially announce his decision. Sources close to the program say he is “genuinely torn” between entering the NBA Draft and returning for his senior year. Kentucky’s coaching staff is reportedly in daily contact with him, highlighting not only the potential for a deeper tournament run but also his projected leadership role on a stacked roster.
“Getting Lowe back is huge,” one assistant told The Athletic. “But if Otega comes back too? We’re looking at a Final Four-caliber team with experience, talent, and hunger. It’s not often you get that mix in today’s college game.”
Lowe’s return is already influencing others. Forward Aaron Bradshaw, who had also tested the draft waters, announced Friday morning that he, too, would return for his junior season.
The message is clear: momentum is building in Lexington — and Jaland Lowe is the heartbeat behind it.
The Bigger Picture
In an era where personal branding and pro potential often outweigh team legacy, Lowe’s decision and his message to Oweh offer a refreshing glimpse of loyalty and unfinished business. It’s a reminder that, for some, the dream isn’t just about the NBA — it’s about leaving a mark in college basketball lore.
“I want a banner,” Lowe said, summing it up. “And I want to win it with my brothers.”
Now, all eyes turn to Otega Oweh.
His next move could not only reshape Kentucky’s roster — it could reshape the entire college basketball landscape in 2025.
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