Jared Greenberg: You end the 2024–2025 season as Kentucky’s overall top scorer and are widely regarded as the Wildcats’ best player. You’ve been in the NBA Draft for over a month now, and your performances in several workouts showed you’re ready and capable of competing at the next level. So I’ve got to ask—why did you withdraw from the NBA Draft?
Otega Oweh:
First of all, Jared, thank you for having me. This has definitely been a crazy few months, and it wasn’t an easy decision to make. I spent a lot of time thinking, praying, talking with my family, my coaches, and the people closest to me. At the end of the day, I had to make the decision that was best for me—not just for my career right now, but for the long run. And I truly believe coming back to Kentucky for another year is the right move.
One of the biggest factors for me was my coach. He wanted me to return. And when someone who’s helped develop you as a player, challenged you to be great, and truly believes you can take another big leap says he sees more in you—it makes you pause and listen. Coach has always kept it real with me. He didn’t try to sell me on anything. He just told me what he saw and what he believed I was capable of accomplishing if I came back.
Another big part of it was the fans. The Kentucky fan base is something special. They’ve embraced me from day one, and this season, their energy meant everything. Whether it was a packed Rupp Arena on game night or the support on social media, I felt that love. I had people—fans, alumni, even teammates—reaching out saying they wanted to see me back. That doesn’t make the decision for you, but it definitely reminds you that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
Also, let’s be real—personal development is huge. I had a strong season, and I know I opened some eyes during the pre-draft process. But I also saw areas where I can grow. I want to refine my shot, keep improving my handle, become more of a vocal leader, and elevate my understanding of the game. I’m not just trying to make the league—I’m trying to stay in the league, to make an impact at the next level. I want to enter the NBA as ready as possible, and I think another year at Kentucky can help me do that.
I also want to mention how proud I am of our program. We had a strong year, and it’s great seeing Kentucky represented in the draft. A few of my teammates are chasing their dreams right now, and I support them fully. But for me, this isn’t about rushing anything. It’s about timing. I believe my time will come, and when it does, I want there to be no doubt. I want to be a first-rounder. I want to walk into a team and contribute from Day 1. And sometimes, that means taking a step back to take a bigger leap forward.
Coming back isn’t just about basketball, either. It’s about being a better man, a better leader, and making the most of my college experience. I love this team. I love this university. We’ve got unfinished business. And now, with the group we’ve got coming in, plus the guys returning, I truly believe we can do something special. We can compete at the highest level, make a run in March, and maybe hang another banner.
So yeah, I withdrew from the draft because I believe in myself, in my development, in my team, and in the vision we have at Kentucky. I’m thankful for the feedback I got during the process—it gave me even more clarity about where I am and where I want to be. And now, I’m locked in.
I know people might be surprised. Some might say I passed up on an opportunity. But to me, this is the opportunity—to get better, to lead, to win, and to go to the NBA not just as a player who made it, but as a player who’s built to last.
So I’ll be back in Lexington. And we’re coming for everything.
Be the first to comment