“The Whole Gym Clapped”: Mark Pope Reveals Why Otega Oweh Was Applauded During Kentucky Practice
There are moments in sports when a player does something so undeniable that even teammates—competitors by nature—can’t help but applaud. That was the scene at Kentucky’s recent practice, when head coach Mark Pope halted the session and asked the entire team to applaud one man: Otega Oweh.
Pope, never one to overhype individual performances, later explained why he did it—and the truth is simple. “You guys saw the clips. That was just a glimpse,” Pope said. “What Otega did in that scrimmage, and throughout practice today, was something every young player needs to learn from. The energy. The reads. The execution. He was the best player on the floor.”
The applause wasn’t for a flashy dunk or a game-winning three. It was for a stretch of basketball brilliance: relentless defensive stops, flawless switches, leadership communication, and a sequence that ended with a steal, full-court sprint, and a smart assist instead of a forced shot. It was the kind of high-IQ, team-first moment that Pope has been preaching since Day 1 in Lexington.
“He did everything right in that sequence,” Pope said. “He read the play early, slid in on help, rotated perfectly, and then made the right pass on the break. That’s championship basketball.”
Oweh, a transfer with raw athletic gifts and a growing understanding of Kentucky’s evolving system, has quietly become a standout this offseason. While much of the buzz has surrounded the team’s new recruits and high-profile returning players, it’s Oweh who’s commanding attention in the film room—and now on the practice court.
“He’s not just trying to impress,” said a team source. “He’s trying to understand, and then execute. That’s the difference.”
Pope admitted he’s given Oweh some specific assignments during recent scrimmages—things to focus on like off-ball movement, defensive communication, and reacting under pressure. Not only has Oweh embraced the feedback, he’s exceeded expectations.
“He’s a sponge,” Pope said. “You give him one thing to work on, and by the next drill, he’s improved it. By the next day, he’s mastered it.”
And it’s not just the coaches noticing.
Veteran teammates were the first to join in the applause when Pope paused practice. Some clapped. Others yelled encouragement. A few just shook their heads in disbelief at what they had witnessed.
One assistant summed it up perfectly: “Today, he looked like a pro. That’s not a compliment we hand out lightly here.”
While Pope maintains a “no favorites” rule across the roster, it’s becoming harder to ignore what Oweh brings to the table. His growth, his grit, and his game awareness are all pointing toward a breakout season.
“This wasn’t just a good practice,” Pope emphasized. “This was a statement. And Otega made it loud.”
The message is clear: Kentucky may have a rising star in Oweh—and the team knows it. The applause wasn’t just for a play. It was for a performance. A message. A warning to the SEC.
Otega Oweh has arrived.
