Money Isn’t Locker Room Talk for Wildcats

Otega Oweh does not want to know how much money other UK players make. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Otega Oweh opted to take his chances in the NBA Draft and start a professional career to return to Kentucky for a second season. However, one plus for him is that college players can now be paid — and paid very well at some schools.

Oweh averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last season and should be one of the best players in the Southeastern Conference this season. That’s why speculation about what he will make at UK has involved some large numbers.

“They’re paying us. That’s it. That’s a great thing for sure, but I don’t really be keeping up with the (court) settlement stuff like that. As long as we’re getting paid, that’s good for me. Anything extra, that’s cool,” Oweh smiled and said during a recent UK media opportunity.

The recent court ruling will allow schools to share $20.5 million the next school year with athletes with each school determining how much money goes to a specific sport.

Do the financial dynamics impact Kentucky’s locker room or other locker rooms because every player makes a different amount?

He said it did not because NIL had been around since he started playing college basketball.

“That’s what I’m used to really. I’m a senior now, so the guys after me it’s going to be the same with them. It hasn’t really changed anything for me,” he said.

Oweh said players might talk about how much money they are making with family members but not a lot of others.

“I feel like that’s something you want to keep to yourself really,” the UK senior said.

However, he wouldn’t deny that players do see speculation on social media about money players might be making.

“There’s stuff always on social media that you see. You can’t always believe social media, but I mean we really don’t talk about it  because it’s a weird conversation to have,” Oweh said. “How much you are making is kind of strange (conversation), so we just stay away from that topic.”

There have been reports that Kentucky basketball players will make a combined $20 million next season.

“I saw that. I don’t know (if that is right),” Oweh said. “I feel like it could be. A lot of other teams I’m seeing like a similar thing. So it could be (true). I really don’t know.”