Otega Oweh Named to All-SEC Second Team, Wildcats Gear Up for Tournament

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Otega Oweh, a junior guard for the Kentucky Wildcats, was named to the All-Southeastern Conference Second Team by the league’s coaches on Monday, marking the first all-conference honors of his career. Oweh, who led the Wildcats in scoring with an average of 16.2 points per game during the regular season, has become a key player as Kentucky heads into the postseason.

Throughout the regular season, Oweh consistently demonstrated his scoring ability, reaching double figures in each of the Wildcats’ first 26 games, making him the only player in the SEC to accomplish that feat. He registered double-digit points in 29 games overall, surpassing the 20-point mark in 11 of those contests, which included eight during league play.

“It has been a career year for me, and I hope to carry this momentum into the tournament,” Oweh said. He also led the team in steals, averaging 1.5 per game, with 48 total steals on the season.

Oweh’s standout performance this season included a career-high 28 points in a game, where he scored the final 18 points for the Wildcats, clinching the win against the Oklahoma Sooners with a crucial block at the buzzer.

Joining Oweh on the All-SEC Second Team are Mississippi State’s player and South Carolina’s player, highlighting the competitive landscape of the conference. The Wildcats will begin their SEC Tournament journey on Thursday, facing the winner of the Oklahoma-Georgia game at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET.

In their last matchup against the Sooners, Kentucky narrowly emerged victorious with an 83-82 win at the Lloyd Noble Center. During that game, Oweh’s impactful return to Norman was marked by not only his scoring but his decisive defensive play.

Head coach Mark Pope emphasized the importance of preparation as the team heads into the tournament. “Every game is a one-and-done situation. We have the privilege to play with that mindset,” said Pope. “We are focused on each possession, and if we can maintain that focus, I believe we can be successful.”

As the Wildcats gear up for their tournament opener, the team aims to build on their recent performances, notably their victory over Missouri, where they secured their eighth win against a Top-15 opponent and tied an NCAA record. Oweh led the way with another impressive outing, scoring 22 points, while Andrew Carr contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

In the SEC Tournament, the Wildcats hold a record of 135-30, with 31 titles to their name, significantly more than the second-most winning team, Alabama, which has eight. With the tournament just around the corner, Kentucky hopes to capitalize on their strong season performances, including Oweh’s remarkable contributions along the way.