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Otega Oweh Carrying Kentucky Basketball Through Tough Season
The Preseason SEC Player of the Year is putting up big numbers despite Kentucky's struggles.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 3:00am
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Otega Oweh has been a bright spot for the Kentucky Wildcats this season, averaging over 21 points per game in SEC play while shooting over 50% from the field and 36% from three-point range. As Kentucky has struggled, Oweh has continued to produce, tying his career-high with 28 points against Georgia and then breaking it with 29 points at Auburn. The Wildcats have lost both of those games, but Oweh's consistent scoring has kept them competitive.
Why it matters
Oweh's outstanding play has been a rare positive for a Kentucky team that has not lived up to preseason expectations. Without Oweh's scoring prowess, it's hard to imagine where the Wildcats would be this season. His performance has kept them in games and put him on pace to join elite company in Kentucky's storied basketball history.
The details
Oweh got off to a slow start due to a preseason foot injury, but has been on a tear in SEC play. In 14 conference games, he's averaging 21.2 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. He's scored 20+ points in seven of his last eight games, including a career-high 29 points in a loss at Auburn.
- Oweh tied his career-high with 28 points against Georgia.
- Oweh broke his career-high with 29 points in a loss at Auburn.
The players
Otega Oweh
A junior forward for the Kentucky Wildcats who is the Preseason SEC Player of the Year and is averaging over 21 points per game in SEC play.
Mark Pope
The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, who has acknowledged that this season has not gone as expected for the team.
What they’re saying
“Otega Oweh is outstanding.”
— Mark Pope, Head Coach, Kentucky Wildcats
“Otega means 'God's blessing,' and also, 'We give God the praise.' He fits that name. We're always giving God the glory for that.”
— Henry Oweh, Father of Otega Oweh
What’s next
The CBS Sports camera crew has been embedded with the Kentucky basketball team all season and will be airing a feature on Otega Oweh and the team ahead of the Final Four.
The takeaway
Despite Kentucky's struggles this season, Otega Oweh has been a consistent bright spot, putting up elite scoring numbers and keeping the Wildcats competitive. His performance has put him on pace to join some of the greatest players in Kentucky basketball history.
