Denzel Aberdeen, left, and Mo Dioubate are both delighted that Otega Oweh returned to Kentucky. (UK Athletics Photo)
No one was more excited when Mo Dioubate transferred from Alabama to Kentucky than Otega Oweh, UK’s leading scorer, because that meant the defensive whiz would not be guarding him during Southeastern Conference play this season.
However, Dioubate and other UK players were just as excited when Oweh announced he was taking his name out of the NBA Draft to return to Kentucky for a second season.
“I was so happy, man. I’m not gonna lie,” Dioubate said about Oweh’s return during his media availability on Monday. “I knew him from before I came here, I knew how hard he worked. Just knowing that he was coming back, I just felt more confident in us winning the championship.”
Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen also played against Oweh last season. He also admitted on Monday he was anxiously awaiting Oweh’s decision and hoping he would come back to UK to play another year.
“I remember hearing his name when the deadline was coming up. I was telling my dad and my friends, like, ‘Yeah, if he comes back, it’s going to get serious,’” Aberdeen said.
Aberdeen and Florida opened SEC play in Rupp Arena during their national championship season and Oweh had 16 points, four rebounds and two steals in UK’s win.
“He’s a very strong, athletic guard. It was hard to stop him getting to the basket,” Aberdeen said. “On top of that, he was also a very great defender — it’s hard getting by him on the offensive side.
“He’s a great player. He improves each and every day, his shooting is getting way better. I remember coming in, we were doing shooting competitions. We were just getting better, pushing each other, and that’s the good thing about him. He always trying to get better. Him coming back, man, it’s going to be scary for a lot of people.”
Oweh had 21 points against Alabama and Dioubate along with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block in Rupp Arena in an Alabama win. However, in the game at Alabama, Oweh had his double-digit scoring streak snapped. Those results have led to some playful trash talking between Oweh and Dioubate.
“Our goal is, for next year, winning and playing together, getting along. But I feel like some of that trash talk just brings us closer together,” Dioubate said.
6 Responses
Mo-D is built like a boxer. I can’t wait to see him take his game to the next level. I think he could have led Alabama in scoring if he would have stayed at Alabama. I’m probably more excited about Mo-D probably more than any other transfer. I think he stays at Kentucky this year and next year. He will be one of the best players on this team. Next year he might be the Alpha dog on the team. Can you imagine a Johnson/Chandler/Noah/Mo-D/Garrison. With Garrison and him being seniors. Wow is all I can say. This could be the starting lineup in 26-27. Can you imagine how great our 3 point shooting would be. All 5 guys can shoot 3s. They will be even better shooters then with another year of shooting the ball. If Garrison can shoot 35-37% this year then improve to 40% as a senior he will be unstoppable.
Like that boxer comparison Terry
I think Oweh will be The Leader for The Cats! They will See what Results Hard Work and Physical & Mental Toughness Can do to Make A National Championship Contender This Year! Go CATS! Looking Forward to See The B-Ball BIG BLUE on The Floor!
With you Frank
This year is the one! Go Cats National championship for 2026 I’m waiting for #9.
Me too Bronsom