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Otega Oweh is one of the more intriguing early-entry prospects testing the waters ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. After a strong junior campaign at Kentucky, the 6-foot-4 guard declared for the draft while maintaining his college eligibility, so Oweh is leaving the possibility of a return to Lexington if the plan doesn't unfold the way he hopes, but what would it take for Oweh to keep his name in the pool and make the jump to the next level?
For starters, it all comes down to feedback. The NBA Combine and individual team workouts will be vital for Oweh’s decision-making process. He’ll need to prove to scouts and executives that his offensive development is trending upward and that his athleticism translates at the professional level. Oweh’s physical tools wit him having a strong frame, explosive first step, and defensive versatility will give him an NBA foundation, but it’s his skill set that needs to keep catching up.
During the 2024-25 season, Oweh averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 49.2% shooting from the field. He was particularly effective slashing to the rim and finishing through contact. Still, his outside shooting remains a question mark—he shot just 35.5% from three this season, albeit on limited attempts. For him to stay in the draft, he’ll need to show that his jumper is improving during workouts and scrimmages.
NBA teams will also be evaluating his feel for the game. Oweh was mostly a straight-line driver and transition scorer at Kentucky. Expanding his passing vision, improving his decision-making, and showing the ability to operate in pick-and-roll settings will help convince teams he can grow into a rotation player in the league.
Additionally, Oweh’s defensive ability could be his ticket to staying in the draft. With his long wingspan and the strength to guard multiple positions, he has the potential to be a high-level perimeter defender. If he can demonstrate that he’s a willing and capable stopper who thrives in switch-heavy schemes, teams might see him as a valuable two-way piece to mold.
Ultimately, Oweh will need strong feedback from teams projecting him as at least a mid-to-late second-round pick to justify remaining in the draft. If the consensus places him on the bubble or recommends another year of development, a return to college could put him in position to boost his stock for 2026.
For now, the ball is in his court. How he performs in workouts and interviews in the coming weeks will determine if Oweh is ready to take the leap or if one more year of seasoning awaits.
Continue reading...
For starters, it all comes down to feedback. The NBA Combine and individual team workouts will be vital for Oweh’s decision-making process. He’ll need to prove to scouts and executives that his offensive development is trending upward and that his athleticism translates at the professional level. Oweh’s physical tools wit him having a strong frame, explosive first step, and defensive versatility will give him an NBA foundation, but it’s his skill set that needs to keep catching up.
During the 2024-25 season, Oweh averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 49.2% shooting from the field. He was particularly effective slashing to the rim and finishing through contact. Still, his outside shooting remains a question mark—he shot just 35.5% from three this season, albeit on limited attempts. For him to stay in the draft, he’ll need to show that his jumper is improving during workouts and scrimmages.
NBA teams will also be evaluating his feel for the game. Oweh was mostly a straight-line driver and transition scorer at Kentucky. Expanding his passing vision, improving his decision-making, and showing the ability to operate in pick-and-roll settings will help convince teams he can grow into a rotation player in the league.
Additionally, Oweh’s defensive ability could be his ticket to staying in the draft. With his long wingspan and the strength to guard multiple positions, he has the potential to be a high-level perimeter defender. If he can demonstrate that he’s a willing and capable stopper who thrives in switch-heavy schemes, teams might see him as a valuable two-way piece to mold.
Ultimately, Oweh will need strong feedback from teams projecting him as at least a mid-to-late second-round pick to justify remaining in the draft. If the consensus places him on the bubble or recommends another year of development, a return to college could put him in position to boost his stock for 2026.
For now, the ball is in his court. How he performs in workouts and interviews in the coming weeks will determine if Oweh is ready to take the leap or if one more year of seasoning awaits.
Continue reading...
