"From time to time I have to close my eyes and look away": Mark Pope reveals Kentucky star Otega Oweh's rule-breaking tendencies

Mark Pope can't say enough good things about Otega Oweh. The Kentucky coach praised his star player in Saturday's postgame press conference after he helped the Wildcats record a 106-100 victory over the Florida Gators in their Southeastern Conference opener at Rupp Arena.

A reporter asked Pope if it was accurate to claim that among his team's personalities, Oweh would be the first to say, "Enough of this. I'm fixing this." Pope smiled as he answered the question, agreeing that Oweh's the type of player who would do such a thing, much to his concern sometimes.

"Otega is interesting. Because when you guys talk to him, he’s just the most soft-spoken guy ever, but he has a competitive fire in him that burns really, really deep," Pope said (4:38). "What he’s doing this season is just incredible.

"Otega is interesting. Because Otega breaks some of our rules, and he’s one of those guys where, from time to time, I just have to close my eyes and look away."

Pope is letting Oweh have free rein this season, knowing that the Wildcats will benefit from their star player showing his talent naturally on the basketball court. The results speak for themselves, with Kentucky starting its first season under Pope with a 12-2 record.

"Don’t change it and just accept it like this is just Otega being Otega, and he’s done that for us a lot this year," Pope said. "The contribution he’s making to this team. The way he’s leading and the joy he brings to our guys is really special."

Oweh has been a vital cog for the Wildcats' offense this season. He leads the team in scoring, averaging 15.9 points through 14 games.

Otega Oweh leads Kentucky past Florida as Mark Pope hands the Gators their first loss

Otega Oweh starred for No. 10 Kentucky in the win over No. 6 Florida, scoring 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting. He knocked down all three of his free-throw attempts and buried his lone 3-point shot in the first half. He also had four rebounds and two steals in 28 minutes of action.

Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (#00) celebrates a basket by center Amari Williams during the second half against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena. Photo: Imagn

Oweh scored 10 of his 16 points in a critical 16-0 run for Kentucky during the opening half, turning Florida's 26-15 lead into a 31-26 advantage for the Wildcats with 7:19 remaining in the first period.

Otega Oweh also delivered for Mark Pope after Florida reduced Kentucky's lead to one point in the second half. He scored six points in the Wildcats' 10-0 blast that extended their lead to 80-69. Kentucky held on for the victory to hand Florida its first loss of the season.