Mark Pope’s Addition of Otega Oweh Raises Questions About Kentucky’s Top Guard

The Mark Pope era at Kentucky is off to an aggressive start, and his latest roster move—landing Oklahoma transfer Otega Oweh—has turned heads across college basketball. A 6-foot-5 guard known for his explosive athleticism and defensive grit, Oweh adds experience and toughness to a backcourt already boasting star talent. But his arrival also raises a pressing question: what does this mean for Reed Sheppard, Kentucky’s top-performing guard from last season?

Oweh is coming off a breakout sophomore season with the Sooners, where he averaged 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field and 38% from three. His defensive versatility and ability to slash to the basket make him a natural fit for Pope’s system, which emphasizes physicality and positionless basketball.

Meanwhile, Reed Sheppard was a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent 2023–24 season for the Wildcats. The former five-star recruit averaged 12.7 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and a team-high 2.5 steals per game as a freshman. His high basketball IQ, efficient shooting, and impact on both ends earned him National Freshman of the Year honors and solidified his role as a fan favorite and future leader.

With both guards likely capable of starting, Pope will need to make a strategic decision on how to balance their roles. Does Sheppard continue to be the primary ball handler? Does Oweh’s defense earn him a starting nod? Or could this signal a new guard-heavy rotation with interchangeable roles?

The competition in the backcourt may be healthy, but it also invites speculation. Some analysts suggest that Oweh’s addition could reduce Sheppard’s role or push him off the ball—potentially limiting his effectiveness. Others believe the pairing could be dynamic, with Sheppard as the floor general and Oweh providing athletic support on the wing.

One thing is certain: Pope is building a roster with toughness, depth, and high-level experience. As practices begin and lineups start to form, all eyes will be on how Kentucky’s new head coach handles this potential guard dilemma—and whether Sheppard and Oweh can coexist as stars in the same backcourt.