‘We Need You. Please, Stay’: Jaland Lowe Sends Heartwarming Message to Ortega Oweh After First Visit as a Wildcat
LEXINGTON, KY – After just one visit to his new basketball home, Jaland Lowe is already making his presence felt—off the court.
The incoming Kentucky Wildcat, known for his high basketball IQ and smooth playmaking, took to social media to deliver a heartfelt message to current Wildcats standout Ortega Oweh, urging the rising star to stay with the program amid transfer rumors swirling in the offseason.
“You are one of the leaders of the team. We need you. Please, stay,” Lowe wrote. “This place is special—and you’re a big part of why. Let’s do something great together.”
The message came shortly after Lowe’s first official visit to Lexington as a member of the Wildcats program. With a new era of Kentucky basketball taking shape under the guidance of head coach Mark Pope, Lowe’s emotional appeal signaled not just camaraderie, but a growing sense of unity and purpose within the locker room.
A Crucial Offseason
With college basketball entering a new age defined by the transfer portal and NIL opportunities, player movement is more dynamic—and uncertain—than ever. Kentucky, historically one of the sport’s blue-blood programs, is no exception. Following the departure of former head coach John Calipari and the arrival of Pope, the Wildcats are in the midst of rebuilding not just their roster but their culture.
Amid the changes, Ortega Oweh’s name has surfaced in transfer speculation. The sophomore guard had a breakout season, becoming a fan favorite for his gritty defense, high energy, and flashes of offensive brilliance. His value to the team extends beyond the stat sheet—he’s regarded as one of the emotional leaders in the locker room.
That’s precisely why Lowe’s public appeal carries so much weight.
“From the moment I got here, I felt the energy,” Lowe added in a follow-up interview. “O [Oweh] is a huge part of that. His intensity, his voice, the way he pushes guys—it’s contagious. If we’re going to build something special here, we need leaders like him.”
Building Bonds Early
What stands out about Lowe’s message is the immediacy and sincerity behind it. It’s not every day that a player who’s just joined a program takes such a vocal stand in trying to keep the foundation intact. But Lowe, a four-star guard known for his leadership, sees beyond just his own role.
“He’s not just thinking about minutes or touches,” said a source close to the program. “He’s thinking about what it takes to win. That’s rare in a freshman.”
For Oweh, the message is more than just words—it’s a testament to how valued he is, not only by coaches and fans but by his peers.
“I’ve seen the love. I’ve felt it,” Oweh posted in response. “That means a lot. Got some things to think about.”
What Comes Next
As Kentucky continues to shape its 2025–26 roster, the hope within the fanbase is that players like Oweh choose to stay and be part of what many see as a fresh, promising chapter for the Wildcats. With Lowe already emerging as a vocal leader, the groundwork is being laid for a team not only rich in talent but rooted in mutual respect and shared vision.
“We’re all here to win,” Lowe said. “But we need each other to do it.”
Whether that message is enough to convince Oweh to stay remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—this Kentucky squad is already starting to come together in ways that go far beyond basketball.
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