Trent Noah and Otega Oweh (Vicky Graff Photo)
If you are already excited about the 2025-26 University of Kentucky basketball season — and every UK fan I know seems to be in that category — you will have a chance Friday for a free meet-and-greet with UK players Otega Oweh.
Kentucky coach Mark Pope believes Oweh could be the nation’s best defensive player and a potential SEC Player of the Year. He led UK in scoring last season and was brilliant all season with his consistency.
Pope — and numerous UK players — believe Noah could not only be a major contributor his sophomore season but could also be one of the nation’s best 3-point shooters this season.
Oweh and Noah will have a free signing event at Kentucky Branded’s Fayette Mall location (3801 Mall Rd. #105, Lexington) from 6-7 p.m.
“Fans can bring two items to be autographed and can also take pictures with the players,” Kentucky Branded’s Chris Ring said. “We obviously will have items to buy, including basketballs, that you can buy and have autographed. There will also be Otega Oweh and Trent Noah merchandise available.
“With the excitement of UK football, we decided to do it on a Friday night because our stores are usually pretty busy on Friday nights. It is totally free and we hope a lot of people come out.”
Why no charge? After all, most autograph signings in the NIL era charge for each item autographed.
“They neither one wanted to charge. They wanted to do this for the fans,” Ring said.
Ring knows there could be a big turnout to see the UK players.
“If the crowd is huge, we will try to work it around so everyone gets a chance to see them,” Ring said. “But they will probably stick around longer if needed because they love interacting with the fans.”
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Kentucky Branded has a wide selection of officially licensed UK gear along with exclusive Bourbon and Derby apparel and accessories. Go to https://kentuckybranded.com/ for more information.
2 Responses
With NIL being what it is, shouldn't all such events today be free of charge?
EXCELLENT point Mr. Pritchett. Some of these kids make as much in one year from NIL as a lot of folks make in a lifetime of working. An hour of signing autographs? Shouldn’t even be questionable. Absolutely it should be free.