NBA Mock Draft Leaves Out Otega Oweh as Decision Deadline Looms
As the NBA Draft process heats up, Kentucky fans are keeping a close eye on the future of one of their breakout stars—and the latest developments may only raise the tension.
Otega Oweh, who led the Wildcats in scoring during the 2024–25 season, remains one of the most intriguing names still weighing his professional future. According to multiple reports, Oweh is seeking a first-round guarantee before fully committing to the draft. Without one, he’s expected to strongly consider returning to Lexington for another season under head coach Mark Pope.
But with just over two weeks to go before the NCAA’s May 28 withdrawal deadline—when players with remaining college eligibility must make their final decisions—time is running short. And the newest ESPN mock draft, released in the wake of Monday night’s NBA Draft Lottery, didn’t offer much clarity for Oweh’s camp. The standout sophomore was not among the 59 projected selections, casting further doubt on whether that first-round promise will materialize.
Instead, the only Kentucky player listed in the mock draft was sharpshooting transfer Koby Brea, who slotted in at No. 54 overall to the Indiana Pacers. Brea’s inclusion speaks to the value NBA teams place on elite perimeter shooting, especially from a player who hit over 46% from three last season at Dayton before transferring to Kentucky.
Both Oweh and Brea are in Chicago this week participating in the NBA Draft Combine—a critical opportunity to impress scouts and decision-makers in measurements, drills, interviews, and competitive five-on-five scrimmages, which begin Wednesday. For players like Oweh, the combine can be a turning point, offering a final stage to showcase athleticism, versatility, and NBA-ready potential.
Despite the current mock draft snub, Oweh’s stock isn’t without momentum. His size, strength, and explosiveness on the wing—combined with a strong motor and defensive upside—make him a valuable long-term prospect. However, without clear assurances from an NBA team, returning to Kentucky for a junior season could offer him the chance to elevate into true first-round status in 2026.
The decision carries massive implications not only for Oweh’s future, but for Kentucky’s, too. Should he return, the Wildcats would retain their leading scorer and add him to a roster already loaded with experience, shooting, and size—a group many believe could open the season as the No. 1 team in the country.
For now, Big Blue Nation waits, watches, and hopes. The ball is in Oweh’s court—but the path back to Lexington may still be the one that brings the most long-term rewards.
Monday News Highlights: NBA Draft Combine Kicks Off This Week
Kentucky’s Otega Oweh and Koby Brea Participate in 2025 NBA Draft Combine; G League Elite Camp Features More Wildcats
The 2025 NBA Draft Combine is officially underway in Chicago, where more than 75 of the most promising draft-eligible players have gathered to put their skills on full display in front of NBA scouts, coaches, and executives. The event, which runs throughout the week, is a crucial evaluation opportunity for players hoping to hear their names called during June’s draft. Among the 75 athletes who received official invitations to the combine, the Kentucky Wildcats are represented by two intriguing prospects: veteran sharpshooter Koby Brea and rising junior wing Otega Oweh.
Brea, a transfer from Dayton who spent his final collegiate season at Kentucky, is using the combine to showcase what he does best — shoot the lights out. Known for his consistent three-point shooting and ability to space the floor, Brea has no remaining college eligibility and is fully focused on carving out a role at the next level. His shooting stroke, maturity, and experience playing under pressure could make him an appealing option for teams looking to add perimeter scoring off the bench.
Oweh, on the other hand, is approaching the combine with a different mindset. Though he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity to compete against some of the top prospects in the country, Oweh is widely expected to return to Kentucky for his junior season. That makes his presence in Chicago more about gathering information and feedback than solidifying his draft stock. For Oweh, the experience allows him to engage directly with NBA personnel and gain valuable insight into what areas of his game need development in order to thrive at the next level.
There’s always a chance that a team could fall in love with Oweh’s athleticism, versatility, and tenacity on both ends of the floor, but for now, this appears to be more of a “test run.” Unless something dramatic changes in his draft projection, Oweh will likely be back in Lexington this fall — and that’s huge news for Kentucky’s revamped roster under head coach Mark Pope. Oweh was the Wildcats’ most consistent scorer last season, and his return would bring not only production but also experience and leadership that could be vital to the team’s success in the SEC and beyond.
In addition to the main combine, the NBA also hosted the G League Elite Camp earlier in the week, which serves as a proving ground for players just outside the top 75. From there, a select few are invited to join the full combine based on their performance. Three players with Kentucky ties — Amari Williams, Andrew Carr, and Lamont Butler — earned invitations to the Elite Camp and took full advantage, participating in drills and 5-on-5 scrimmages in front of NBA evaluators. While their paths to the draft may be more uncertain, the exposure and experience could go a long way in shaping their professional futures.
As the week unfolds in Chicago, both fans and franchises will keep a close eye on how Kentucky’s representatives perform. For Brea, it’s a final audition. For Oweh, it’s a learning opportunity. And for Coach Pope and the Big Blue Nation, the hope is that the combine only strengthens Oweh’s resolve to return and lead Kentucky into a new era.
Kentucky Responds to Guard’s Transformative Announcement
Playing college basketball is about more than just time spent on the court—it’s also about the meaningful connections athletes form with coaches, teammates, and fans, relationships that often last well beyond their playing days.
This week’s story highlights that perfectly. It centers around Collin Chandler, a 6-foot-5 guard from Farmington, Kentucky, who played just one season in Lexington. While he contributed in 30 games, averaging 10.4 minutes per appearance, his biggest moment came off the court—on Thursday, he married his wife, Hannah.
On Saturday, Kentucky Men’s Basketball recognized this important milestone, sharing their congratulations on social media and showing support for Chandler during this special time.
“Congratulations to the Chandlers,” the team posted on its official X account.
As Mark Pope prepares for his second year leading the Wildcats, the former UK player has already made an impact. After notching 110 wins at BYU, he guided Kentucky to a 24-12 record in his debut SEC season, which ended in a Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee.
Looking ahead, Kentucky boasts the fourth-ranked transfer class according to 247Sports, trailing only St. John’s, Michigan, and Louisville. The Wildcats have landed five-star prospect Jayden Quaintance from Arizona State, along with four four-star transfers.
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