Kentucky Oweh Named SEC Preseason Player of Year

Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, led by coach Mark Pope, is poised for a strong 2025-26 season with key players expected to make significant jumps. Sophomore guard Collin Chandler is projected to breakout as an important bench player, showing promise after a modest freshman year. Star player Otega Oweh, who led the team with 16.2 points per game last season, is the favorite to win SEC Player of the Year, especially if he improves his three-point shooting. Newcomer Jaland Lowe, a transfer from Pitt, is also expected to be a major offensive contributor, potentially becoming the team's X-Factor. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Volunteers under Rick Barnes are considered a dark horse for the NCAA Final Four, bolstered by the addition of Maryland transfer Ja'Kobi Gillespie and preparing for challenging exhibition games against Duke and Michigan. Overall, the SEC remains highly competitive, with Kentucky and Tennessee among the top teams to watch next season.