Wildcat Guard Ortega Oweh Rejects $4 Million Deal from LSU, Pledges Full Commitment to Kentucky and Mark Pope
In a stunning development in college basketball recruitment, Ortega Oweh, a highly coveted guard in the 2025 class, has decided to reject a $4 million deal from Louisiana State University (LSU) in favor of continuing his commitment to the University of Kentucky. This decision has sent shockwaves through the college basketball community, with many expressing surprise over the magnitude of Oweh’s choice.
Oweh, known for his explosive scoring ability and defensive prowess, had long been considered one of the top recruits in the nation. His decision to turn down a substantial financial offer from LSU, which reportedly included the $4 million deal — one of the largest in recent memory — has brought attention not only to his basketball talents but also to his character and dedication to his original commitment to Kentucky.
Sources close to the recruitment process revealed that LSU had made Oweh an enticing offer, seeking to lure him to Baton Rouge with both an eye-popping financial package and promises of a starring role in the Tigers’ program. LSU’s head coach had long been considered one of the most aggressive recruiters in the sport, and the financial incentive made the decision even more appealing for a young player with a bright future ahead.
However, in an unexpected turn, Oweh surprised many when he took to social media to announce his decision. In a heartfelt message, he expressed his loyalty to his original commitment to the University of Kentucky and its head coach, Mark Pope. Oweh emphasized that while the financial aspect was undoubtedly attractive, his passion for the Wildcats program, the bond he had already formed with his teammates, and his belief in Coach Pope’s vision for the future of Kentucky basketball were the driving forces behind his decision.
In his post, Oweh stated, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play at LSU and the support they have shown me, but my heart is with Kentucky. Coach Pope has been there for me since day one, and I believe in the vision he has for the Wildcats. This is where I want to be, and I’m committed to helping this program return to greatness.”
This commitment to Kentucky has set the stage for what promises to be a significant chapter in the program’s history. Oweh’s decision to remain loyal to the Wildcats signals the type of culture that Coach Pope is building in Lexington. His words also stand as a testament to the importance of relationships and trust in the recruitment process, something that often gets overlooked in today’s world of lucrative deals and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.
For the Wildcats, Oweh’s decision is a huge win. The guard is regarded as one of the most skilled players in the class, with elite shooting, ball-handling, and defensive abilities. His presence in the backcourt will help solidify Kentucky’s depth as they aim to contend for national championships in the coming years. Coach Pope, in particular, will undoubtedly be thrilled with Oweh’s commitment, as it validates the direction he is taking the program and highlights the growing appeal of Kentucky’s basketball culture.
In the end, Oweh’s decision to reject a massive financial offer from LSU and stay committed to Kentucky serves as a significant reminder of the growing importance of loyalty, culture, and long-term vision in today’s recruiting landscape. For the Wildcats, this is a defining moment, one that could very well mark the beginning of a new era in Kentucky basketball under Coach Pope’s leadership.