With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the Kentucky Wildcats are poised to make serious noise under Mark Pope’s high-octane system. At the center of attention is Otega Oweh—Kentucky’s top scorer last season—who’s currently testing the NBA Draft waters. Should he return to Lexington, it could tip the scales toward a Final Four run. But even without him, the Wildcats’ revamped roster offers intriguing combinations.
Using the latest roster and performance data, here’s a look at three lineup options if Oweh returns—and three if he stays in the draft.
If Otega Oweh returns: Three lineups to dominate
Oweh was electric last season, leading Kentucky with 16.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He shot 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from three, and 78.2% from the free-throw line. A two-way force with elite slashing ability and strong perimeter defense, his return would be a massive boost.
🔥 Lineup 1: The All-Around Firestorm
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Otega Oweh
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
C: Jayden Quaintance
How It Works:
This lineup blends athleticism, defensive versatility, and explosive scoring. Lowe, the Pitt transfer, averaged 6.0 assists and sets up Oweh’s drives while Williams offers wing versatility. Dioubate brings muscle and rebounding, and when healthy Quaintance is a rim-running, shot-blocking anchor.
Strengths:
- Elite Defense: Lowe and Oweh can pressure ball handlers; Dioubate and Quaintance protect the rim.
- Transition Threat: This group thrives in the open floor, with Lowe’s vision and Oweh’s quick first step leading fast breaks.
- Switchability: Defensive versatility across all five spots.
Weaknesses:
- Perimeter Shooting: Outside of Oweh, spacing could be tight if Williams and Lowe don’t knock down shots.
- Inexperience: Quaintance and Williams may need time to adjust to SEC intensity especially as Jayden gets back into basketball shape.
Vibe:
Fast, loud, and relentless. If the shots fall, this lineup is terrifying.
🎷 Lineup 2: The Veteran Vibe
PG: Denzel Aberdeen
SG: Otega Oweh
SF: Jasper Johnson
PF: Trent Noah
C: Brandon Garrison
How It Works:
This group leans into experience, shooting, and leadership. Aberdeen, a Florida transfer, brings defense and ball movement. Johnson is a five-star freshman with 15+ PPG upside. Noah offers floor spacing, and Garrison is a steady, returning big man.
Strengths:
- Perimeter Scoring: Noah’s 38.5% high school 3PT shooting complements Oweh and Johnson. His shot was not falling towards the end of last season, but he is putting in big time work.
- Continuity: Garrison’s return and Oweh’s leadership ease chemistry concerns.
Weaknesses:
- Interior Defense: Garrison is capable but not dominant defensively. Noah may be mismatched against physical SEC power forwards.
- Shot Creation: Aberdeen isn’t a scoring threat, so Johnson and Oweh must carry the load.
Vibe:
Think smooth jazz—fluid, efficient, and quietly lethal. But can it hold up in the physical grind of March?
🚨 Lineup 3: The Big Blue Blitz
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Jasper Johnson
SF: Otega Oweh
PF: Malachi Moreno
C: Jayden Quaintance
How It Works:
This lineup goes big and bold. Oweh shifts to the wing, flanked by two five-star bigs in Moreno and Quaintance. Lowe initiates offense while Johnson handles perimeter scoring.
Strengths:
- Paint Control: Moreno and Quaintance form a shot-blocking, rebounding wall.
- Scoring Potential: Johnson and Oweh could combine for 30+ on any given night.
- Length: Every position boasts size and reach.
Weaknesses:
- Mobility: Bigs could struggle with pick-and-roll defense and transition coverage.
- Floor Spacing: With two non-shooting bigs, offensive spacing might shrink.
Vibe:
This is your "we’re taking over" lineup—towering, terrifying, and tough to handle. But it must stay agile to survive stretch offenses.
If Otega Oweh Stays in the NBA Draft: Three Lineups to Adapt
Without Oweh’s 16.2 PPG and defensive edge, Kentucky must spread the scoring load and rely on its depth. The talent is there—it’s just a matter of who steps up in the clutch.
🚀 Lineup 1: The Freshman Frenzy
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Jasper Johnson
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
C: Jayden Quaintance
How It Works:
Lowe and Johnson become the offensive core. Williams fills Oweh’s role as a slasher and defender. Dioubate and Quaintance energize the frontcourt with relentless motor and size.
Strengths:
- Youthful Energy: Athleticism fuels Pope’s uptempo style.
- Balanced Playmaking: Lowe runs the offense; Johnson brings scoring punch.
- Defensive Upside: Dioubate and Quaintance can switch and contest everything.
Weaknesses:
- Unproven Scoring: Johnson and Williams must replace Oweh’s production.
- Experience Gap: SEC road games may expose growing pains.
Vibe:
A young, aggressive unit. Think “catch us if you can”—exciting but still raw.
🎯 Lineup 2: The Sharpshooter’s Delight
PG: Denzel Aberdeen
SG: Collin Chandler
SF: Jasper Johnson
PF: Trent Noah
C: Brandon Garrison
How It Works:
This group spreads the floor and lights it up. Chandler is a scoring guard with deep range. Noah adds shooting at the four, and Garrison holds down the paint.
Strengths:
- Shooting Galore: Chandler, Noah, and Johnson give Pope’s offense space to operate.
- Defense: Aberdeen and Garrison form a solid backbone.
- Star Potential: Johnson could blossom into a go-to scorer.
Weaknesses:
- Physicality: This lineup could be vulnerable on the glass without Lowe's length.
- Defensive Matchups: Noah and Chandler may struggle against elite athletes.
Vibe:
The “splash brothers” of Lexington—dangerous from deep, but they’ll need some zone to get them through.
🛡️ Lineup 6: The Twin Towers
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Denzel Aberdeen
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Malachi Moreno
C: Andrija Jelavić
How It Works:
This lineup goes supersized. Jelavić, a skilled Croatian big, joins Moreno to create a towering versatile frontcourt. Lowe and Jelavic run the offense, and Williams adds balance on the wing.
Strengths:
- Paint Domination: Moreno and Jelavić own the boards and protect the rim.
- Scoring Versatility: Johnson provides perimeter pop, while the bigs go to work inside.
- Size Everywhere: This team alters shots and changes how opponents run offense.
Weaknesses:
- Pace Issues: This group is vulnerable in transition.
- Shot Creation: Without Oweh, the burden falls on Johnson to generate consistent offense.
Vibe:
A defensive fortress. But if they get caught in a track meet, things could unravel quickly.
So whether or not Otega Oweh returns, Kentucky has the tools to make a deep postseason run. With Oweh, the Wildcats have a proven scorer and defender to anchor lineups like the Firestorm or Big Blue Blitz. Without him, the team must rely on its young stars, versatile depth, and internal development.
Mark Pope’s offense thrives on tempo, spacing, and smart reads. The challenge will be finding the right blend of shooting, size, and experience to navigate a brutal SEC schedule and make noise in March.
Big Blue Nation—buckle up. With or without Oweh, Kentucky is built to compete. And if everything clicks, don’t be surprised if Rupp Arena is still rocking in April.