BBN in panic as Otega Oweh spotted in walking boot during pickup game
Kentucky fans got a brief scare this week when photos surfaced of guard Otega Oweh wearing a walking boot during a campus pickup game. While the sight of any player in a boot raises concern, early indications are that the move is precautionary, not the result of a major injury.
Along with Oweh, Arizona State transfer Jayden Quaintance was playing in sandals, fresh off an ACL. Quaintance is expected to be fully healthy soon, but it is good to see him out on the court in August.
Oweh, the former Oklahoma transfer expected to be the centerpiece for Mark Pope this season, was seen on the pick-up court in Lexington. Multiple sources indicated he had been experiencing mild foot soreness and was held out of action to avoid aggravating it. No crutches, no visible limp — just a bulky boot and some curious onlookers.
This isn’t the first time Kentucky fans have held their breath over an offseason boot. In fact, it's practically a summer tradition in Lexington. But so far, there's no indication this will derail Oweh’s ramp-up to the 2025–26 season.
And that’s good news for a Kentucky team counting on him to be a difference-maker.
Oweh, in year 1 under Pope averaged 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds last season while shooting 49.2% from the field. He brings explosive athleticism, strong perimeter defense, and a motor that Pope has raved about privately since landing him in the transfer portal and all last year.
At Oklahoma, Oweh developed into one of the Big 12’s most versatile backcourt defenders. His on-ball pressure, ability to switch assignments, and nose for the rim make him a unique weapon in Pope’s up-tempo system. His offensive game took a massive leap as a Cat, what will year 2 Otegatron look like?
What makes Oweh especially valuable is his toughness. He plays through contact, never shies from a challenge, and thrives in transition — traits Pope covets in this new style of Kentucky that has flipped nearly the entire roster again.
Still, the walking boot wasn’t the summer update fans hoped for. Fortunately, the timing is manageable. Team practices won’t intensify for several weeks, and medical staff are expected to reevaluate Oweh shortly.
For now, it’s a waiting game — but not one that suggests panic. If anything, the decision to sit him early shows a staff playing the long game, protecting a key contributor who’s primed for a breakout year.
Kentucky fans just hope the boot was a blip, not a blow.