Kentucky Fans are now DIVIDED! Otega Oweh’s Response to Mark Pope’s Recent Post Has Left Fans Stunned!
The Kentucky Wildcats basketball program is no stranger to drama, but the latest twist involving Otega Oweh has sent shockwaves through Big Blue Nation. After declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, Oweh was still widely believed to be considering a return to college, with Kentucky fans hopeful that new head coach Mark Pope could lure him back. But Oweh’s cryptic and somewhat dismissive response to a recent social media post from Pope has sparked a firestorm — dividing the fanbase and raising serious questions about his future.
It all began when Coach Pope, in an effort to energize the fanbase and perhaps drop a hint, posted a message that many interpreted as a subtle nudge to Oweh: “There’s no better place to grow than under the lights of Rupp.” The post featured highlights of past Wildcat greats and included the hashtag #unfinishedbusiness. It didn’t take long for fans to connect the dots, believing the post was directed at Oweh — especially after recent reports that an NBA star (rumored to be Tyrese Maxey) had privately encouraged Oweh to stay in school another year.
But what followed stunned everyone.
Oweh responded to Pope’s post with a tweet of his own: a simple shrug emoji and the words “Sometimes it’s time to bet on yourself.” While not overtly hostile, the message carried an unmistakable tone — a subtle rejection of Pope’s pitch and perhaps a statement that his mind was made up. For some fans, it felt like betrayal.
The backlash was swift and loud. One faction of fans accused Oweh of turning his back on the program, suggesting he was “using” Kentucky to build his draft stock. Others pointed fingers at Coach Pope, claiming his tactics were “too soft” or out of touch with today’s generation of players. Meanwhile, a third group, perhaps the most vocal, urged calm and reason — arguing that Oweh is simply doing what’s best for his future.
“He owes us nothing,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “He gave everything on the court. If the NBA’s calling, who are we to judge?”
Still, others weren’t so forgiving. “If he doesn’t want to be here, let him go,” a tweet read. “Kentucky is bigger than any one player.”
As the NBA draft approaches and the deadline to withdraw looms, all eyes remain on Oweh. His next move could define both his career and Mark Pope’s early legacy at Kentucky. For now, one thing is clear — the fanbase is no longer on the same page.
