Kentucky player surging up NBA Draft boards after his stellar start

Otega Oweh’s decision to transfer from the Oklahoma Sooners to the Kentucky Wildcats has proven transformative, with his stellar start to the 2024-25 season. NBA scouts and writers around the country are taking notice, elevating his NBA draft stock.

After two solid but unspectacular seasons in Norman, Oweh has emerged as one of Kentucky’s key contributors, catching the attention of scouts and analysts alike.

Statistical Growth

Oweh’s improvement is evident when comparing his stats from previous years to now:

• 2022-23 (Oklahoma): Averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game, shooting 44.3% from the field as a Freshman.
• 2023-24 (Oklahoma): Jumped to 11.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per game, with improved shooting (49.3% FG, 37.7% 3PT) as a Sophomore.
• 2024-25 (Kentucky): Through four games, Oweh is averaging 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 23.0 minutes per game. His efficiency has soared—58.3% FG, 54.5% from three, and 80% at the line as a Junior under first year coach Mark Pope.

Rising Draft Stock

National analysts are taking notice:

• Travis Branham (247Sports): "Oweh is a winner who makes winning plays on both sides of the ball. While he is much more confident shooting the ball, he is looking even more effective and comfortable as a driver who can drive and kick to shooters around the perimeter."
• Adam Finkelstein (CBS): Highlighted Oweh as one of college basketball’s breakout stars, noting his ability to impact both ends of the floor by saying, "Oweh's defense has led to transition offense, and he's benefitted from the collective spacing Kentucky has played with, beginning in the open floor and continuing into the half-court. He's picked the right times to look to get downhill and continued to show growth as a spot-up shooter (he made just one three his entire freshman season at Oklahoma)".

Kentucky’s Impact

At Kentucky, Oweh’s athleticism and skill set have flourished under Coach Mark Pope’s system, which emphasizes player development and fast-paced play. His ability to stretch the floor while playing strong defense has been vital to the Wildcats’ early success, given his strip of Cooper Flagg in the waning seconds against Duke.

As Oweh continues to impress, his draft ceiling appears limitless. If he sustains this level of play, Kentucky could add another lottery pick, further cementing the program as a launching pad for NBA stars. Fans hope that Oweh will keep playing the way he is, but he has decided to come back for a senior season in Lexington.