It seems Kentucky Basketball’s hopes of having Otega Oweh for a fifth year have just taken a serious hit.
On Monday, the NCAA discussed the 5-in-5 proposal, which would allow college athletes to compete for five seasons within a five-year span if approved. Although the proposal is likely to pass, it probably won’t apply to graduating seniors like Oweh.
NCAA President Charlie Baker told ESPN that after the Division I Board of Directors meeting, he’s hopeful the proposal will advance. However, the recommendation is to avoid making it retroactive for graduates or those who have already used up their eligibility.
“If you’ve used up your eligibility, you’ve used it up,” Baker stated.
For now, it looks like Oweh won’t be granted an extra season. But even if he doesn’t pursue this route, plenty of other outgoing seniors are expected to sue the NCAA over the fifth year and given the NCAA’s recent losing streak in eligibility lawsuits, they’d likely have a strong case.
In fact, it’s likely that at least a few players will sue and win a fifth season. Florida and former Wildcat Denzel Aberdeen appear ready to go down that path, and many others will follow.
Will Oweh take such a long-shot gamble? That might be his only chance at another season, but he could also simply be ready to move on and start his pro career.
As for Coach Mark Pope and his staff, they’ll probably operate under the assumption that Oweh won’t return, focusing instead on players who are definitely eligible for next season.
