Kentucky head coach Mark Pope recently shared an amusing anecdote about junior guard Otega Oweh, underscoring the importance of balancing academics and athletics as a college athlete. Following Kentucky’s thrilling 93-85 victory over Louisville, Pope highlighted Oweh’s growing ability to remain present in all aspects of his life, both on the basketball court and in the classroom.
Pope recounted a humorous instance involving Oweh’s commitment to attending his early morning class, even after an intense shootaround. “Our guys have made a renewed commitment to being present in class every day,” Pope shared. “Otega has an early morning class where he’s getting better at showing up and being engaged. A few days ago, we were all hands on deck to ensure he made it to class on time. Two minutes after it started, we got a video from him—sitting alone in an empty classroom because it was canceled, and none of us knew! He is the epitome of being present.” Pope even joked about encouraging Oweh to share the video, calling it “so delightful.”
This light-hearted moment highlights a deeper quality about Oweh: his ability to live fully in the present, whether it’s on the hardwood or in everyday life. It’s a mindset that has translated into his performances during games, allowing him to stay level-headed regardless of the circumstances.
During the matchup against Louisville, Oweh exemplified this philosophy. Though he wasn’t a significant factor in the first half, he remained locked in and eventually became a game-changer. By the final buzzer, he had tallied 17 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, with additional contributions of three assists, two steals, and one rebound over 27 minutes. But it was in the game’s closing moments where Oweh truly shined.
In the last three minutes of regulation, Oweh erupted for nine points, two steals, and a crucial rebound. His clutch three-pointer from the corner was the dagger, extending Kentucky’s lead to 10 points with just over a minute remaining, effectively sealing the victory.
Despite moments when he seemed to fade into the background—partly due to Lamont Butler’s remarkable 33-point performance—Oweh’s unwavering focus and confidence never wavered. “I was a little quiet throughout the game, so I just wanted to keep on being aggressive,” Oweh said after the win.
Pope praised Oweh’s mental fortitude and ability to stay in the moment. “One of the great things about O is his capacity to just be dialed in,” Pope said. “He doesn’t waste energy worrying about what just happened or what might happen next. He’s got this rare ability to focus on the now, and that’s a huge asset. He’s present in class, he’s present on the court, and he’s present in the critical moments when we need him most.”
However, being present for Oweh goes beyond showing up to class or performing well in a game. It’s about savoring the journey and cherishing the memories he’s making during his time at Kentucky. For Oweh, this season isn’t just about basketball; it’s about creating moments that will stick with him long after his college days are over.
“I’m not gonna lie, every day feels like something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Oweh reflected. “This game against Louisville? I’ll always hold onto it. Being part of Kentucky is special—there are so many moments, day in and day out, that you know will stay with you forever.”
Oweh’s commitment to living in the present moment is paying off in every facet of his life. Whether he’s setting an example in the classroom, stepping up when his team needs him most, or embracing the once-in-a-lifetime experience of playing college basketball at Kentucky, Oweh is making the most of every opportunity. And in doing so, he’s becoming a model for what it means to truly excel—on and off the court.
