By: Casey Madison (BleedBlueCasey/X) | Photo Credit: Otega Oweh. Kentucky men’s basketball practice. Photo by Chet White | UK Athletics
During a recent media press conference following his youth basketball camp, Otega Oweh shared his thoughts on giving back to the community and the joy of working with kids. Additionally, he discussed his gratitude for the support that he has received. While speaking to reporters following his interview, he reflected on this experience.
Here’s a recap of the entire interview:
Question: What’s it like hosting your very first camp?
Answer:“It’s my first time. And you know, I’ve always just wanted to be in a position where I can do this and I’m just thankful that I am. Coming here put me in this position. I always love being around kids, that’s fun for me. So, why not have a camp?”
Question: Are you strict with the kids?
Answer: “No, not at all. I mean, you don’t gotta be hard on them. It’s just fun, you know, just being in that position.”
Question: Are they talking smack to you?
Answer:“They are, which I like it though, cause I mean it turns me up. But um, you know, it’s all genuine, which is the whole part of this camp. They can see it on TV or maybe be at the game, but the live, one on one interaction is what I love, and I know they’ll probably remember that.”
Question: What does it mean to have so many kids look up to you?
Answer: It’s crazy. It still doesn’t click with me, cause it’s still new. But you know, it’s a great situation and I’m just grateful that I am in this position and hope I can keep on doing it.”
Question: What’s it like seeing 200 kids wearing your name and number?
Answer:“Yeah, like I said, it’s surreal. I’m still like, ‘God, pinch me,’ really. But, you know, I’m just blessed.”
Question: Did you expect the turnout to be this big?
Answer:“I kind of did, because BBN, they always show love, always show support. So, you know, it’s a lot of people for sure. Maybe I didn’t expect this many people, but I know Kentucky rallies around theirs. So, once again, I’m just so appreciative.”
Question: What advice would you give to these young players?
Answer: “Just to have fun every time you’re on the court. The older you get, the more serious the game becomes. So these are the moments you want to cherish and just stay genuine in it. Find your peace, find where you’re having fun, and as you get older, continue to keep on finding that peace really. Like I said, it gets harder and harder as you get older.”
Question: What was your reaction to hearing that some families traveled hours just to attend?
Answer: “It’s crazy. I was talking to one family at one of the camps we had and they said they were flying in. It’s wild. Like the fact that they just support and they came out here just for a couple hours just to have fun. For me [that’s] the biggest thing. I’ve got to have great energy, but people are coming from all over, so I’m definitely thankful.”
Question: Does the camp feel like a break from summer workouts?
Answer: “It is. I mean, it’s still basketball, but it’s easy going. It’s fun. I get to interact with all these different types of people. So it definitely is a nice little break.”
Question: What did you think of the TBT (The Basketball Tournament) games?
Answer:“It was super fun. Just the energy, you don’t really see this type of stuff going on in the summer[.] It’s kind of like the dead period for college. But, you know, it’s not college, but it feels like college. They have all these games and a home field. So it was definitely cool seeing the guys that were here before still putting on the jersey, knowing that it means something.”
Question: How was the recent team scrimmage?
Answer:“It was a great scrimmage actually. Like, real competitive throughout the whole game. We were going back and forth, great energy, and obviously we got the win. So it was definitely fun. We have a good group[.] So it was really fun.”
Question: How does playing against pros compare to SEC-level college basketball?
Answer:“It’s different because, you know, these are guys that play at the highest level. So they think the game more than just using a lot of energy. Like, they just find ways where they could outsmart you and stuff like that. So you can’t play the same kind of game you play in college. Although we have our principles that we stand on, they’re smarter and stuff like that. So it’s definitely different, but we want to be at that level. So you have to adjust.”
Question: How does this summer compare to last year’s experience with a new roster?
Answer: “It’s really similar, if I’m being honest. I feel like Coach Pope does a good job of recruiting character—certain characteristics—instead of just talent. All the guys, they’re nice, fun, easy going. When you have guys like that, you can gel really easy. We’ve been getting along great. We’re doing all the stuff off the court and that translates onto the court.”
Question: Now that you’re in year two, do you feel more comfortable off the court?
Answer: “Yeah, definitely. Just being here for a second year, like you said, I definitely feel more at ease. I’m more familiar with stuff. But I’m still trying to keep that same intensity and hunger I had coming in last year. You have to keep that if you want to keep on improving.”
Mo Dioubate. Otega Oweh. Kentucky Men’s Basketball Practice. Photo by Chet White | UK Athletics
As Otega Oweh heads into his second, and final year at Kentucky, it’s clear that he’s embracing his impact o and off the court. Whether it’s mentoring young fans that look up to him or competing against Kentucky legends, he won’t shy away from the moment.
