Otega Oweh nearly stayed in the NBA Draft last season before returning to Kentucky to try and up his stock. In spite of another season where he led the Wildcats in an uber-competitive SEC, averaging 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and a hefty 1.8 steals, Oweh remained second-round-bound heading into the 2026 draft.
And tonight, with the NCAA's 5-in-5 ruling looming ominously behind him, Oweh secured his spot on the next level when the Oklahoma City Thunder, by way of a Miami Heat pick brought him in with selection No. 41. Another former Cat has found a new home, and in this case, we're all glad Oweh's bet paid off.
Because, as a graduating senior, Oweh just missed being eligible for a new ruling that allows players to stay for five years flat. Recent Kentucky addition Milan Momcilovic, for example, is both entering his senior year and will have another year on the collegiate level after this if he so chooses.
While smoke about Oweh potentially trying to return to Lexington blew away earlier this offseason, it'd have been a tragic scenario if he went undrafted shortly thereafter. Instead, OKC is getting one of the fiercest competitors in college basketball.
Oh, and if that clutch gene translates to the NBA, the Thunder are in for a buzzer-beating surprise.
The Thunder have selected Kentucky's Otega Oweh with the No. 41 pick of the 2026 NBA draft: pic.twitter.com/Eiozagi08J
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 25, 2026
Oweh is the Newest Cat in OKC
Oweh joins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace in an awesome three-Cat union out in Oklahoma; just one full season removed from an NBA Championship, the loaded Thunder are looking to get back to the biggest stage in basketball, and fast.
Drafting a 23-year old Oweh makes complete sense, especially from that perspective. This is a team looking for impactful experience that can be used as a spark plug from day one. That's what you're getting in a guy with four years of experience, two of which at what is essentially an NBA factory in Lexington.
Alongside the likes of Gilgeous-Alexander, Wallace, Alex Caruso, and others, Oweh will bring a similar versatility. You can plug him in at the two-spot for reliable size in your backcourt, or stretch the lineup just as effectively and run Oweh in the center.
Either way, get our guy going downhill and Big Blue Nation knows nobody will be able to get in his way. Much like Jayden Quaintance to San Antonio, this is about the best destination that Cats fans could have asked for.
It's tough to see a favorite of the BBN leave home, but Oweh and JQ both will likely have a chance to compete for an NBA title in the near future. They're both in a great spot, and Oweh specifically is an extremely positive notch on Mark Pope's developmental resume.
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