Mark Pope Breaks the “No Favorites” Rule to Call Otega Oweh a ‘Genius’ – Here’s Why
In a program where head coach Mark Pope firmly maintains a “no favorites” policy, it takes something extraordinary for a player to rise above the pack and force public praise.
That’s exactly what’s happened with Otega Oweh, the explosive transfer guard who has lit up Kentucky’s offseason practices with a level of intelligence, effort, and impact that has turned heads—including Pope’s.
During a recent team scrimmage, Pope let something slip that caught everyone’s attention. With an almost incredulous tone, he said, “I know I’ve said there are no favorites, but Otega is a genius out there. You just can’t ignore what he’s displayed. He’s going to be our secret weapon, as he has already been in this short time.”
The comment sent shockwaves through the program—and not because Pope is prone to exaggeration. If anything, he’s cautious with public praise. But Oweh is making it impossible to stay quiet. His performances during closed practices, film sessions, and even informal team drills have earned him a reputation as one of the most impactful players on the roster.
What separates Oweh isn’t just his athleticism—though he has plenty of it. The former Oklahoma standout brings a tenacity on defense and a next-level basketball IQ that Pope says is “unmatched” in his system so far. His rotations are tight. His anticipation is elite. And his understanding of the game is described as “almost telepathic” by one assistant coach.
“He sees things two steps ahead,” said an insider close to the team. “It’s like he’s reading the offense’s script before it happens. He’s not just reacting—he’s dictating what the offense can and can’t do.”
On offense, Oweh hasn’t needed to dominate the ball to make his presence felt. His slashing ability, smart cutting, and willingness to make the extra pass have helped the Wildcats maintain offensive flow and consistency. He’s not chasing numbers—he’s making winning plays. The kind of plays that coaches notice. The kind of plays that win championships.
For Pope, who is in the process of constructing a team with depth, chemistry, and defensive identity, Oweh is the kind of player who brings it all together. While the headlines have mostly gone to high-profile recruits and flashy scorers, it’s Oweh who’s earning the trust of the coaching staff as a glue guy—and maybe more than that.
“Every time we need a stop, a swing in momentum, or a high-IQ read, he’s there,” Pope said. “That’s not normal. That’s special.”
Though Pope insists there’s still no official “favorite” in his locker room, it’s becoming clear that Otega Oweh is forcing a quiet exception. And with the season fast approaching, Kentucky fans should be watching No. 3 very closely.
If Pope is right—and Oweh continues to perform as he has—the Wildcats may have found their secret weapon. Not the loudest. Not the flashiest. But perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle.
And to think: the “no favorite” coach just called him a genius. That’s all you need to know.
