Dear Big Blue Nation,
This past week has been a whirlwind—full of emotions, reflection, and ultimately, clarity. After a lot of thought, heartfelt conversations with my family, my coaches, and my teammates, I’ve made the decision to withdraw my name from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to the University of Kentucky.
I want to say this loud and clear to every Kentucky fan across the state, across the country, and across the world: You are the best fans in the world. And I need you now more than ever.
When I first set foot in Lexington, I knew I was stepping into something special. You could feel it in the air—the legacy, the passion, the unshakable bond between this program and its fans. But it wasn’t until I wore the blue and white, until I stepped onto the court at Rupp Arena, that I truly understood the meaning of Big Blue Nation. You’re not just spectators. You’re part of our team. You lift us when we’re flying high and stand even taller when we stumble. And right now, as I take this next step in my journey, I’m asking you to lift me again.
Withdrawing from the NBA Draft wasn’t an easy decision. Like every young hooper, I’ve dreamed of hearing my name called on draft night. I worked hard this past season. I trained, I competed, and I grew. And when the season ended, I tested the waters because I needed to know where I stood. I needed to hear directly from the league, get the feedback, and understand what’s next for me as a player and a man.
The feedback I received was encouraging—but it also showed me I’ve got more work to do. I’m not afraid of that. I welcome it. Because I know I’ve only scratched the surface of the player I can become. And there’s no better place to grow, to lead, to rise to that next level, than right here at Kentucky.
So, I’m back. I’m back to chase unfinished business. I’m back to help bring a banner to Rupp. I’m back to build something special with my brothers in that locker room. And I’m back because of you, BBN.
I know the road won’t be easy. We’ve got to earn every bucket, every win, every cheer. I’m coming back more focused, more determined, and more hungry than ever. I’m putting everything into this next season—not just for me, but for this school, this community, and this legacy we share.
And that’s where you come in. I need your voices. I need your energy in the stands. I need your belief. Because there will be moments when the game tests us—when we’re down 10 on the road, or when the shots aren’t falling. And in those moments, your support isn’t just nice to have—it’s everything. You are the fuel that keeps this engine running. Your presence makes us better. Your pride pushes us to fight for something bigger than ourselves.
I’m not just playing for the NBA anymore. I’m playing for Kentucky. I’m playing for the fans who paint their faces blue and white, who stay up late to watch us on the road, who never stop believing in what we can be. I’m playing for the little kids in the stands who dream about being in this jersey someday. And I’m playing for those who came before me—who made this program what it is today.
So let’s make this season something unforgettable. Let’s make Rupp roar like never before. Let’s pack the stands, light up social media, and show the world what it means to be part of the greatest fan base in college basketball. When we win, we win together. When we fall, we rise together. That’s what makes Kentucky different. That’s what makes BBN legendary.
To Coach, thank you for believing in me and for giving me the space to make this decision on my own terms. To my teammates—I’m ready to go to war with you. Let’s be great together. Let’s be leaders. Let’s be champions.
And to the fans—my heart is with you. My journey is yours. And together, we’re about to write a new chapter in Kentucky basketball history.
The countdown starts now. I’ll see you all at Rupp.
With all my heart,
Otega Oweh
#BBNForever
#UnfinishedBusiness
#WeAreUK
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