TENSION AT KENTUCKY: Coach Mark Pope FUMES Over Otega Oweh’s NBA Draft Declaration — Calls Star’s Reason “Not Good Enough”!
In a surprising twist to Kentucky’s offseason, sophomore guard Otega Oweh has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, and it’s not sitting well with newly appointed head coach Mark Pope.
The decision, which came just weeks after Pope took over the reins in Lexington, has sparked a quiet storm behind the scenes — with sources reporting that the head coach is “frustrated” and “disappointed” with Oweh’s explanation for leaving.
Oweh, who transferred to Kentucky after showing major promise at Oklahoma, was expected to be a cornerstone for Pope’s first season. At 6’5″, Oweh brought defensive grit, explosive athleticism, and high-level scoring potential to the Wildcats’ backcourt. Many believed he was poised for a breakout year under Pope’s up-tempo, modern system.
However, in a recent interview, Oweh revealed that his decision to enter the draft was driven by his belief in his personal readiness — not feedback from scouts or pressure from advisors. “I just felt like it was my time,” Oweh said. “I’ve worked hard, and I want to bet on myself. That’s the biggest reason. I’m ready to chase my dream.”
That reasoning didn’t land well with Pope.
According to insiders close to the program, Pope was hoping Oweh would anchor his backcourt and saw him as a key figure in building momentum for Kentucky’s reset. The idea that Oweh would leave based on personal timing, rather than strong draft stock or development goals, reportedly left Pope “fuming.” He is said to believe Oweh would benefit significantly from another year in college and sees the move as premature — possibly costing the player and the team in the long run.
“Mark Pope is all about accountability and growth,” one source said. “He felt like the decision wasn’t grounded in the right reasons. Not everything is about jumping early — sometimes it’s about timing it right.”
Oweh has maintained his eligibility, leaving the door open for a return should the draft process not unfold as hoped. Still, the relationship between player and coach could be strained going forward.
For a program trying to reestablish its identity under a new regime, the loss of Oweh — even potentially short-term — is a major blow. And if Pope’s frustration is any indication, this saga could have ripple effects on how the new-look Wildcats shape their roster moving ahead.
The drama in Lexington is heating up — and the offseason has only just begun.
