Report: Ugonna Onyenso Considering Return to Kentucky

The near-7-footer's time in Lexington may not be over just yet.

The most surprising move of the offseason thus far for Kentucky basketball came on April 5, when freshman center Ugonna Onyenso entered the transfer portal after his first season in Lexington. 

Onyenso was a 4-star prospect coming out Putnam Science Academy (Conn.) and was the No. 36 player in the 2022 class, per 247Sports Composite. He reclassified from the 2023 class and appeared in 16 games as a true freshman for the Wildcats this season, averaging 6.9 minutes a game. He totaled only 18 combined minutes in all of SEC play, playing  sparse backup minutes behind Oscar Tshiebwe and Lance Ware. He averaged 2.5 points and 2.6 rebounds a game. 

His exit would hurt the Wildcats and force head coach John Calipari to hit the transfer portal in hopes of finding some added rim protection. Incoming freshman 7-footer Aaron Bradshaw is expected to man the frontcourt in the 2023-24 season, while Tshiebwe's return to UK isn't out of the question. The former National Player of the Year has declared for the 2023 NBA draft, but maintained his college eligibility. 

Now, a report from Kentucky Sports Radio's Jack Pilgrim says that Onyenso's time at UK may not be over just yet. It's been made clear that Onyenso's "handlers" orchestrated his initial entry into the portal, but there's one overarching value that Kentucky can offer that other programs can't — NIL. 

Reports indicate that Onyenso made six figures as a freshman this past season, a lucrative amount that would entice his exit from the portal back to the Bluegrass. Before his departure was announced, he made it sound as though he would return for his sophomore season following Kentucky's NCAA Tournament loss to Kansas State.

Adam Zagoria later reported that a final decision is coming in the near future: 

.@KentuckyMBB F @OnyensoUgonna and his dad will make final decision in the coming days on his plans, with a return to UK possible, per source.

Oscar Tshiebwe’s decision to declare for the Draft while maintaining his eligibility factored into his decision.

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 9, 2023

With no clear connections in the transfer portal as of now, the return of Onyenso would be welcomed for Kentucky. Calipari made it known that he had high expectations for the Iwo State, Owerri, Nigeria native. 

“He’s behind some pretty good players, but at the end of the day, my guess is he’ll be, if not the best, one of the best big guys in the country next year,” Calipari said. 

Pros and Cons of Tshiebwe Returning for a Third Season at Kentucky

More on the soon-to-be Wildcats HERE.

Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.

More on the potential roster overhaul in Lexington HERE.

More on the loss to Kansas State HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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