In a move no one saw coming, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope pulled off a late-night masterstroke that’s shaking up college basketball headlines. After weeks of speculation and silence, Otega Oweh — the explosive guard who had entered the transfer portal — is officially back in Lexington.
And according to Pope, it all came down to one unexpected phone call.
> “We weren’t even supposed to talk that night,” Pope said in a post-practice interview. “But something told me, call him now. And I did.”
Sources say the call happened just after midnight, a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that lasted over an hour. While Pope didn’t disclose every detail, insiders claim the Kentucky coach laid out his vision not just for the team — but for Oweh’s individual growth, role, and future NBA potential.
> “It wasn’t about begging him to stay,” Pope clarified. “It was about reminding him who he is — and what he can become here.”
The dramatic turnaround left fans stunned. Just days earlier, Oweh had been heavily linked to several Big 12 and ACC programs, and even posted cryptic messages on social media suggesting a fresh start elsewhere. That all changed overnight.
Oweh, who averaged 11.4 points and 4.1 rebounds last season, is now expected to play a major role in Pope’s up-tempo system. With his elite athleticism, two-way potential, and experience, Oweh’s return instantly boosts Kentucky’s backcourt depth and brings some much-needed veteran leadership.
Wildcat Nation responded with a mix of shock and celebration:
> “That Pope call is already legendary,” one fan tweeted.
> “Oweh running it back? Let’s GOOOO,” posted another.
For Pope, it’s not just about one player’s return — it’s a statement.
> “We’re building something real here,” he said. “Guys are starting to feel that. Otega did. And now he’s all in.”
With this surprising twist, Kentucky’s offseason just got a whole lot more interesting — and the rest of the SEC is officially on notice.
