In a significant milestone for the University of Kentucky’s basketball program, junior guard Otega Oweh has been named to the Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List, recognizing his exceptional performance on the court and placing him among the nation’s elite basketball players.
The Oscar Robertson Trophy, presented annually by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), honors the nation’s most outstanding men’s college basketball player. Established during the 1958-59 season, it is the nation’s oldest award of its kind and was named in 1998 after Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, a two-time USBWA Player of the Year.
Oweh’s inclusion on this prestigious watch list is a testament to his remarkable contributions this season. Leading the Wildcats in scoring, he averages 15.6 points per game and has achieved career-best marks in rebounds (4.6), field-goal percentage (.494), free-throw percentage (.750), assists (1.7), and steals (1.6). Notably, Oweh has scored in double figures in all 21 games this season, making him one of only 13 Division I players to do so, and one of three from “high major” programs.
Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, Oweh has been instrumental in Kentucky’s success this season. His defensive prowess is evident, leading the team with 33 steals and recording multiple steals in 11 games. His consistent performance has been pivotal in the Wildcats’ impressive 15-6 record, including a 6-1 mark against Associated Press Top 15 ranked opponents. This achievement ties the 2002-03 Kentucky team for the most regular-season victories against top-15 foes in school history.
Oweh’s standout performances have not gone unnoticed. In a recent Senior Night game against LSU, he led the team with 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals, earning the game’s Most Valuable Player honors. His leadership on the court was instrumental in Kentucky’s dominant 95-64 victory, setting a positive tone as the team approaches the final regular-season game and the upcoming SEC and NCAA Tournaments.
The Wildcats’ backcourt strength is further highlighted by the inclusion of senior guard Lamont Butler on the same midseason watch list. Butler, a graduate transfer, averages 13.2 points per game and leads the team with 4.8 assists per contest. His stellar performance, including a perfect shooting game against Louisville where he scored 33 points on 10-of-10 shooting, earned him the Most Valuable Player of the game, as well as USBWA National Player of the Week and Southeastern Conference Player of the Week honors.
Having two players on the Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List underscores the depth and talent of Kentucky’s roster. It reflects the program’s commitment to excellence and its ability to develop players who perform at the highest levels. As the season progresses, both Oweh and Butler’s performances will be crucial to Kentucky’s aspirations in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.
The final watch list for the Oscar Robertson Trophy will be released in early March, with the winner announced at the NCAA Men’s Final Four in San Antonio from April 5-7. The formal presentation of the trophy will follow at the annual USBWA Awards Luncheon hosted by the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.
Oweh’s recognition is not just a personal accolade but also a reflection of the collective effort and success of the Kentucky basketball program. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he continues to make his case for one of college basketball’s most prestigious individual honors.
