The 2025 NBA Draft Combine is coming up—and for Kentucky basketball, it’s more than just measurements and verticals. It’s decision time.
From May 11–18 in Chicago, two Wildcats—Otega Oweh and Koby Brea—will lace up on the biggest pre-draft stage in hopes of hearing their names called in June. For Brea, it’s a final audition. For Oweh, it might be a fork in the road.
🧨 Otega Oweh: Kentucky’s biggest wildcard
Position: Guard
Class: Junior(Senior if he comes back)
Status: Testing NBA Draft waters
Oweh’s invite to the combine is no small deal. After a breakout sophomore year at Kentucky, the two-way guard is viewed as one of the most athletic and defensively gifted prospects in the SEC.
Strengths: Lateral quickness, on-ball defense, finishing at the rim
What scouts want to see: A consistent jumper and playmaking vision
Oweh hasn’t officially decided whether to stay in the draft or return to school. Under NCAA rules, players have until June 15 to withdraw. His decision is the biggest offseason storyline in Lexington. A strong week in Chicago could solidify him in the late first or early second round. If not? Kentucky fans may get their defensive stopper back for another run.
🎯 Koby Brea: The sniper with one last shot
Position: Guard
Class: Graduate Senior
Status: Entered NBA Draft
Unlike Oweh, Koby Brea has no decision to make—this is it. The former Dayton standout transferred to Kentucky for one season and made the most of it, becoming one of the nation’s best three-point shooters.
Stat line: 47.1% from three
Combine goals: Show he can defend at the NBA level and score off the bounce
If Brea can prove he’s more than just a specialist, there’s a real shot he sneaks into the second round or earns a two-way contract. Teams looking for spacing and shooting are watching closely.
📋 Every SEC player invited to the NBA Combine
Kentucky isn’t the only SEC team with stars in Chicago. Here’s the full SEC list:
Kentucky: Koby Brea, Otega Oweh
Alabama: Grant Nelson, Mark Sears, Labaron Philon
Auburn: Johni Broome, Tahaad Pettiford
Florida: Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, Alex Condon
Arkansas: Boogie Fland, Karter Knox, Adou Thiero
Oklahoma: Jeremiah Fears, Jalon Moore
Texas: Tre Johnson
Tennessee: Chaz Lanier
South Carolina: Collin Murray-Boyles
Georgia: Asa Newell
With so many SEC names making the cut, the combine is doubling as a proving ground for the conference’s elite talent.
🏀 What it means for Kentucky
This combine could shape the entire 2025–26 Kentucky basketball roster. If Oweh returns, he’s likely a preseason All-SEC defender and cornerstone piece for Coach Mark Pope’s second season. If he stays in, it opens the door for Kentucky to possibly dip back into the transfer portal.
As for Brea, his leadership and shooting will be missed regardless—but a strong showing could be a major recruiting pitch for future grad transfers looking for a spotlight year in Lexington.
📅 Key dates to watch
May 11–18: NBA Draft Combine (Chicago)
June 15: Deadline for early entrants to withdraw and return to school
June 26–27: 2025 NBA Draft (Brooklyn, NY)
📲 Follow us for live combine updates and draft news on Kentucky players throughout the entire process.