By: Casey Madison (X/BleedBlueCasey) | Photo via UKAthletics
It wasn’t the stat line Otega Oweh wanted, but it was the step Kentucky needed.
After missing most of the preseason with a turf-toe injury, the preseason SEC Player of the Year made his return in Friday night’s Blue-White Scrimmage, finishing 1/6 from the field with two points, two rebounds, and a steal in limited minutes. His shots weren’t falling, but his energy and defensive presence were exactly what head coach Mark Pope expected from a player just getting back to game speed.
“He just manufactures things out of nothing,” Pope said, “He can shut down his defensive assignment and cause chaos. He just changes the energy when he’s on the floor.”
Pope made it clear that Oweh’s limited impact was simply for precuation, not a reason for concern. The staff had been cautious bringing him back from turf toe, holding him out of most contact work until earlier this week.
“He’s going to be back full speed in two or three weeks,” Pope added. “We’re just trying to get him there smartly. He’s one of those guys who can tilt a game just by effort.”
That kind of disruptive effort of crashing the glass, defending multiple positions, and creating transition opportunities is exactly what Kentucky missed during his absence. Oweh’s ability to turn defense into offense is something that is truly remarkable.
“He just makes things happen,” Pope said. “You can’t always draw it up on a board, but when he’s out there, things shift. He makes everybody else’s job easier.”
And his timing couldn’t be more important. With junior guard Jaland Lowe likely sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury last night, Oweh’s presence becomes even more important. His athleticism and ability to get downhill to the rim gives Kentucky another perimeter option who can pressure the ball, attack the rim, and help steady the backcourt rotation.
Kentucky faces No. 1-ranked Purdue next week at Rupp Arena in their first game of the 2025-26 season, and Oweh will likely be leaned on heavily in that matchup.
