Kentucky Basketball Gears Up for an Exciting 2025-26 Season With or Without Otega Oweh
As the 2025-26 college basketball season nears, Kentucky is poised for a thrilling run under head coach Mark Pope. The roster is filled with promise, but one key question looms: Will star guard Otega Oweh return to Lexington or remain in the NBA Draft?
Oweh was a standout last season, averaging 16.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on nearly 50% shooting. His impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable. If he returns, Kentucky becomes a legitimate Final Four threat. If he doesn’t, the Wildcats will look to their talented youth and depth to fill the gap.
Here’s a look at six potential lineups three assuming Oweh returns, and three if he stays in the draft.
If Oweh Returns: Lineups Built to Contend
1. The All-Around Threat
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Otega Oweh
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
C: Jayden Quaintance
Strategy:
This unit thrives on speed, defense, and switchability. Lowe handles the offense, while Oweh and Williams bring perimeter scoring and lockdown defense. Dioubate adds toughness, and Quaintance protects the rim.
Strengths:
* Excellent defense from guard to center
* Dangerous in transition
* Versatile, athletic lineup
Weaknesses:
* Questionable shooting outside of Oweh
* Youthful inexperience
Vibe:
Relentless and energetic a nightmare for teams without poise.
2. The Veteran Core
PG: Denzel Aberdeen
SG: Otega Oweh
SF: Jasper Johnson
PF: Trent Noah
C: Brandon Garrison
Strategy:
A more experienced, balanced group that relies on court IQ and efficient spacing. Aberdeen runs the offense smoothly while Noah and Johnson stretch the floor.
Strengths:
* Strong perimeter shooting
* Veteran leadership
* Great fit for Oweh’s attacking style
Weaknesses:
* Interior defense could be a concern
* Isolation scoring options are limited
Vibe:
Poised and disciplined ideal for tight games.
3. The Big Blue Wall
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Jasper Johnson
SF: Otega Oweh
PF: Malachi Moreno
C: Jayden Quaintance
Strategy:
This bigger lineup owns the glass and clogs the paint. Johnson and Oweh carry the perimeter offense while Lowe distributes.
Strengths:
* Dominant inside defense and rebounding
* Length and physicality across the board
Weaknesses:
* Shooting and spacing could suffer
* Susceptible to faster, perimeter-heavy teams
Vibe:
Physically imposing built to wear opponents down.
If Oweh Stays in the Draft: Lineups Ready to Adapt
1. The Freshman Force
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Jasper Johnson
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Mouhamed Dioubate
C: Jayden Quaintance
Strategy:
With Oweh out, this young group leans on pure athleticism and upside. Johnson and Williams are asked to step up as scorers.
Strengths:
* High tempo and defensive energy
* Big-time potential if chemistry clicks
Weaknesses:
* Inexperience in clutch moments
* Unproven scoring outside Johnson
Vibe:
Raw, fearless, and growing with each game.
2. The Spacing Squad
PG: Denzel Aberdeen
SG: Collin Chandler
SF: Jasper Johnson
PF: Trent Noah
C: Brandon Garrison
Strategy:
Emphasizing shooting and floor balance, this lineup plays fast and spreads defenses out. Chandler adds offensive creativity.
Strengths:
* Deep shooting threats
* Veteran guard play
* Well-balanced scoring
Weaknesses:
* Lacks elite size inside
* May give up easy baskets in the paint
Vibe:
High-scoring and free-flowing—can win shootouts if defense holds up.
3. The Twin Towers Approach
PG: Jaland Lowe
SG: Denzel Aberdeen
SF: Kam Williams
PF: Malachi Moreno
C: Andrija Jelavić
Strategy:
Two true bigs anchor the interior, while Lowe and Aberdeen run the backcourt. Jelavić brings finesse and a European feel to the frontcourt.
Strengths:
* Size, rebounding, and rim protection
* Offensive flexibility across all positions
Weaknesses:
* Slow transition defense
* No clear go-to scorer
Vibe:
Tough to crack in the half court gritty, methodical, and disruptive.
Bottom Line
Regardless of Oweh’s decision, Kentucky has a deep and dynamic roster capable of making a deep postseason run. With proven leaders, explosive freshmen, and plenty of lineup options, Coach Mark Pope has the tools to build a contender.
If Oweh returns, the Wildcats get a cornerstone two-way player. If not, it’s time for the next wave of talent to rise. Either way, Big Blue Nation has every reason to believe this season could be something special.
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