Lexington, Kentucky, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Otega Oweh, a senior guard for the Kentucky Wildcats, has been recognized as the SEC Preseason Player of the Year and a first-team All-SEC player. Oweh, who led the Wildcats in scoring last season with an average of 16.2 points per game, is pivotal as the team gears up for the new basketball season. The Wildcats are ranked No. 9 in the AP preseason rankings and projected to finish second in the SEC. Oweh’s contributions, combined with coaching praise and other players’ performance, highlight Kentucky’s strength as they prepare for a competitive season.
Lexington, Kentucky – Otega Oweh, a senior guard for the Kentucky Wildcats, has garnered attention as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Preseason Player of the Year. This recognition comes alongside his selection as a first-team All-SEC player, setting a high expectation for the upcoming basketball season. The Wildcats, ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press preseason rankings, are projected to finish second in the SEC, trailing only the defending national champions, the Florida Gators.
Oweh, who led Kentucky in scoring last season with an average of 16.2 points per game, demonstrated his consistency by scoring in double figures in each of the first 26 games of the season. He finished with double digits in a total of 33 games, showcasing his crucial role on the team. In addition to his scoring prowess, Oweh contributed an average of 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, with a free-throw shooting percentage of 77.6%. Last season, Oweh earned second-team All-SEC honors, as well as recognition from the National Association of Basketball Coaches as an All-District First-Team player.
Oweh becomes the seventh player in Kentucky history to earn the title of SEC Preseason Player of the Year since the award’s inception in 1997, which underscores the Wildcats’ reputation as a powerhouse in college basketball. His return to practice follows a recent toe injury that he sustained during the preseason, and reports indicate that he has fully resumed participation in team drills, impressing coaches and teammates alike with his athleticism.
Head Coach Mark Pope praised Oweh’s competitive nature and acknowledged the significance of the familiar high-pressure scenarios that define Kentucky basketball. During a recent practice scrimmage, Oweh exhibited considerable skill by successfully dunking from outside the free-throw line. Furthermore, junior guard Jaland Lowe, who transferred from Pittsburgh, has also made headlines by earning third-team All-SEC honors after averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds last season.
In addition to Oweh and Lowe, the Wildcats’ roster shows promise with standout performances from other players. Sophomore transfer Jayden Quetenance is reportedly progressing well in recovery, while newcomers Brandon Garrison and Malachi Moreno have also drawn attention for their impressive displays in practice. The Wildcats recently participated in the SEC Media Tipoff event in Birmingham, where both Oweh and Coach Pope engaged with the media and reflected on their goals for the upcoming season.
As the season approaches, the Wildcats are preparing for their annual Blue-White Game on October 17, leading into the regular season, which will commence on November 4 against Nicholls. With Oweh and Coach Pope leading the charge, Kentucky aims to navigate a competitive SEC landscape and ultimately capture their attention as a formidable force this season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Otega Oweh?
Otega Oweh is a senior guard for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, recognized as the SEC Preseason Player of the Year for the upcoming season.
What are Oweh’s statistics from last season?
Oweh averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while maintaining a free-throw percentage of 77.6% during the last season.
When does the Wildcats’ season start?
The Kentucky Wildcats will begin their regular season on November 4 against Nicholls.
How did the Wildcats perform in the SEC preseason rankings?
The Wildcats are ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press preseason rankings and are predicted to finish second in the SEC, behind the Florida Gators.
| Player | Total Points Last Season | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Free-Throw Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otega Oweh | 16.2 | 4.7 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 77.6% |
| Jaland Lowe | 16.8 | 4.2 | 5.5 | N/A | N/A |
| Jayden Quetenance | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- On3: Otega Oweh Voted SEC Preseason Player of the Year
- Kentucky.com: Otega Oweh Recognized in Preseason Honors
- UK Athletics: Otega Oweh Selected as SEC Preseason Player of the Year
- West Kentucky Star: Otega Oweh Named Preseason Player of the Year
- Sports Illustrated: Otega Oweh’s Surprises in Practice
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Wildcats Men’s Basketball
- Google Search: Otega Oweh
- Google Scholar: Otega Oweh
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Wildcats
- Google News: Otega Oweh
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