Here’s some news that will make Kentucky basketball fans breathe a sigh of relief: Otega Oweh is back on the court. After a 10-week absence due to a turf toe injury, the star forward is finally gearing up for the 2025-26 season. But here's where it gets interesting—despite the setback, expectations for Oweh remain sky-high. Named the SEC’s preseason player of the year, the Oklahoma transfer is no stranger to pressure, having averaged 16.2 points per game last season and earning second-team All-SEC honors. Now, with the Wildcats set to face No. 1 Purdue in an exhibition on October 24, followed by Georgetown and Nicholls, all eyes are on Oweh’s return.
During the SEC Tip-Off in Birmingham, head coach Mark Pope shared an encouraging update. ‘If you’re going to have a guy miss the first couple weeks of practice, he’s the one to do it,’ Pope said, praising Oweh’s resilience. The coach is taking a gradual approach to get Oweh back up to speed, but it’s clear the player is eager to dive in. In his first live scrimmage, Oweh wasted no time making an impact—stealing the ball, racing down the court, and dunking it with authority. ‘That’s just who he is,’ Pope noted, highlighting Oweh’s relentless ‘competitive motor’ that ‘you cannot turn off.’
And this is the part most people miss: Oweh isn’t just a talented player; he’s a seasoned competitor who thrives under pressure. ‘He understands everything that Kentucky is,’ Pope said. ‘He embraces it. He can’t get enough of it.’ But here’s the controversial question: Can Oweh live up to the hype after such a lengthy absence? Or will the injury linger, affecting his performance? Only time will tell. What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below!
