To the mighty Big Blue Nation,
First, thank you. Thank you for the cheers, the passion, the relentless support — the sea of blue and white that makes Rupp Arena a place like no other. Walking through that tunnel, hearing you on the sidelines, feeling the energy … it gives me chills every time. Yesterday’s win was special — yes, we came away with the 78-65 victory against a strong opponent, but what it really meant was that we’re ready. Ready to chase this season. Ready to chase No. 9.
When I stepped into this program, I knew what the Wildcats legacy meant. Championships, tradition, every single game matters. Last season, I had my best numbers yet — averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals. But as rewarding as that was, I came back for more. I came back because I believe in this team. Because I believe in the journey we’re on. And because I believe in all of you.
It wasn’t just about me. It was about what we can build together. I withdrew from the NBA Draft after the feedback I got, and I made the decision to stay because I felt in my bones that there’s something special here.
Yesterday’s win is one stone laid in the foundation of something bigger. It’s not the final product, it’s not even the mid-season mark — it’s the signal. The signal that we’ve got the focus. We’ve got the hunger. And we’ve got each other.
To those of you who filled the seats, who came early, who stayed late, who screamed every time we threw up a dunk or got a rebound — let yesterday remind you: this ride is for you. When the lights go down, when the clock is ticking, when the season’s toughest games come — you’ll be the extra man on the floor. I promise you this: I cannot wait to see you back in Rupp Arena for the regular season. I want to hear “Go Cats!” echoing off the rafters. I want to see your banners waving. I want the whole building to move with one heartbeat.
This season, we have a singular goal: a national championship. Banner No. 9. It’s more than a number — it represents legacy, pride, all those Wildcat teams that came before, and the fans who stood by us when it wasn’t easy. I said it already: we have the talent to be the No. 1 team in the country. But talent is nothing without belief, willingness to fight, willingness to suffer and willingness to win together.
So yes — yesterday gave us confidence. But what really excites me is what’s next. The practices, the film sessions, the weekday workouts too many of you never see. The moments before tip-off when the stakes are real, when the opponent is top-tier, when the pressure is on. That’s when we’ll find out what we’re made of. And I can tell you this: I am ready. We are ready. And we will take it one game at a time, one play at a time, one moment at a time — for you.
To my teammates: thank you for your trust. I’m honored to wear this jersey with you, honored to battle alongside you, and honored to lead when called upon. To the coaching staff: thank you for believing in me, for giving me the tools to grow, for pushing me beyond what I thought I could do. And to you, the fans — you are the reason this is more than basketball. You’re the fuel. You’re the home-court advantage. You’re the proof that Kentucky isn’t just a program; it’s a family.
Mark your calendars. Tip-off is coming. Rupp Arena will be electric. And when you walk in, I want you to bring that energy, that roar, that pride. Because this season will ask everything of us: composure, effort, discipline, heart. But if there’s anywhere I’d rather be, with any group of people I’d rather share it with — it’s right here, right now, with Big Blue Nation.
So get ready. We’re about to make some noise. We’re about to chase greatness. And together, we’re going to bring back banner No. 9. I can’t wait to see you in the stands. Let’s run it back, and let’s make history.
Go Cats!
— Otega
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