When Otega Oweh threw up a half-court shot running down the sideline against Santa Clara last season, the game-tying make that transpired was the sort of poetic justice that only March Madness can produce. For a guy to give so much of himself to a program over two years, Oweh deserved another heroic moment such as that one. And now, he gets to soak up the joy of being selected in the NBA Draft.
That's good news already, but even better, Oweh came off the board much earlier than many expected. He was selected with the 41st overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder, leaning towards the earlier side of the second round.
More poetry there, since that's where Oweh started his college career; it's easy to forget that he was a Sooner for two years before transferring to Lexington. That's another testament to the impact he had on Kentucky.
And to his draft pick, Oweh reacted the only way he knows how:
My God is too Good!💙
— Otega Oweh (@OtegaOweh) June 25, 2026
let’s work OKC🏁 https://t.co/Cw07KksRQU
The clip of Oweh reacting to the selection with his friends and family is gold all by itself, but that isn't what will stick out to Kentucky fans. In typical #00 fashion, the fan-favorite Cat took time to thank God.
Then, he pledged on X: "let's work OKC".
Oweh is the Ultimate Hard Worker
Does Otega Oweh have a hitch in his jumper? Sure. Does he struggle at times to handle the ball? Also yes. He's got flaws, just like any prospect entering the league. But one thing that can't be questioned is Oweh's hard-working nature game in and game out; he'll benefit from joining a team built around that philosophy.
Pairing up with two-time defending NBA MVP (and former Cat, of course) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma is the perfect fit for Oweh. Similar to current Thunder wing-man Luguentz Dort, he won't be asked to carry the same load that he had to in Lexington. All Oweh has to do is come in and compete, and all of BBN knows he'll shine.
The dude just gives maximum effort. Oweh is a great on-ball defender and he rebounds well for his size, too. His outside shot will have to get better for his minutes to grow at the NBA level, but his slashing ability will greatly compliment a team that has a point guard who draws a ton of attention, in SGA.
For Oweh, that means a lot more freedom off the ball. I expect to see an unleashed Otega when he gets a chance to prove his worth with the Thunder, a player free of being "the guy" and able to hone in on all of the specific things that make him great.
Sports Illustrated graded the Oweh pick as an "A+," and I couldn't agree more.
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