Otega Oweh: The Next Kentucky Star?
Otega Oweh projects to be the next star guard from the University of Kentucky. But will his slashing ability translate to the NBA?
Otega Oweh isn’t just a transfer portal success story – he’s the heartbeat of an electric Kentucky Wildcats team and a relentless two-way force. The junior guard arrived from Oklahoma and made an instant impact, leading Kentucky in scoring and putting up double figures in all but three contests. On the other end, he never runs from the challenge: often guarding opponents’ first option. After this season, Oweh has emerged as a dominant utility player in the 2025 NBA Draft class.
Basic Stats (2024-2025): 28.3 MIN, 16.2 PTS, 4.7 REB, 1.7 AST, 1.6 STL, 1.5 TOV, 11.5 FGA, 49.2% FG%
Pros:
Elite slasher and off-ball threat
Attacks closeouts with speed and aggression – especially one-dribble drives from the wing
Prefers to attack to the left – 53.2% of all drives
Effective cutter – often catches defenders flat-footed.
Draws fouls by getting downhill with force – draws 3.5 fouls per game (91st percentile)
Developing his passing vision around the basket – improved ability to find cutters and dump-off passes on the move
Elite transition threat – averages 3.8 fast break PPG (99th percentile)
Explosive downhill athlete – strong first step and physicality in the open floor
Thrives in early offense – puts immediate pressure on the defense
Excels at turning defense into transition opportunities
Tremendous defensive upside due to his toughness and physicality
Frame and quickness allows him to press up against guards and wings without conceding space
Uses strength and anticipation to navigate screens and disrupt opponent offensive rhythm
Guarded P&R handlers 34.3% of defensive possessions – gave up 0.774 PPP
Active hands – often lead to deflections and steals from ball handlers and in passing lanes
Strong closeouts and lateral movement make him a valuable switch defender – excels in defensive help rotations after drive-and-kick situations
Cons:
Concerns with his shooting ability, especially his ability to translate to NBA range
Shot 35.5% from 3 on low volume – 18.3% 3PA% (7th percentile)
Particularly needs to improve from ATB (33.3%)
Demonstrated inconsistent mechanics and confidence and team spacing suffers when defenses sag off him
Offensive limitations in the half court
Must improve his handle – struggles to create separation in tight coverage
Relies heavily on his strength – needs to continue working on his footwork to open more scoring opportunities
Should improve his efficiency on pull-ups – needs to become more of a midrange threat (32.1%)
Decision-making under pressure
Tends to play out of control at times – forces shots or over-dribbles into traffic.
Struggles to read defensive rotations – must improve his anticipation to become a trusted playmaker
Often put his head down on drives – missing open kick-outs opportunities on the perimeter
Final Take: Otega Oweh enters the draft with immense athletic upside and an NBA-ready body. His combination of size, quickness, and athleticism, allows him to impact games even when his shot isn’t falling, making plays defensively by causing turnovers and running in transition. While questions remain about his shot efficiency, range, and half-court creation, Oweh’s ability to defend multiple positions, finish at the rim, and provide energy and hustle will make him a valuable rotational piece. With further development in his shot and decision-making, he could evolve into a premier two-way role player.
Draft Projection: Undrafted
Player Comp: Bruce Brown; Keon Ellis