New Kentucky head coach Mark Pope continues to reshape the Wildcats roster, and his latest move has stirred speculation and raised eyebrows. The addition of Oklahoma transfer Otega Oweh, a dynamic 6-foot-5 guard known for his athleticism and two-way potential, brings immediate talent and depth—but also sparks uncertainty about the future of last season’s top-performing Kentucky guard, D.J. Wagner.
Oweh, who averaged 11.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Sooners last season, is expected to compete for significant minutes in the backcourt. His arrival signals Pope’s intention to build a roster capable of pushing tempo and defending at a high level. However, with backcourt minutes already contested and the return—or retention—status of Wagner still unclear, fans and analysts are left wondering how the rotation will shake out.
D.J. Wagner, a former five-star recruit and a standout in an otherwise inconsistent 2024–25 season, was anticipated to be a cornerstone of the program under Pope. But with new transfers like Oweh joining the fold, some insiders speculate that Wagner’s role could be diminished—or that he might even explore options elsewhere.
“This is a high-upside pickup for Kentucky,” said ESPN analyst Jeff Borzello. “But it certainly brings questions. How does Pope manage egos, minutes, and continuity when you’ve got multiple guards expecting to lead?”
Mark Pope, who took over following John Calipari’s departure to Arkansas, has made it clear he wants a versatile, high-energy team. Whether that vision includes last year’s stars—or charts a new course entirely—remains to be seen.
The next few weeks could prove pivotal as roster decisions solidify and Pope’s strategy for Kentucky basketball’s next chapter comes into sharper focus.
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