Oscar Tshiebwe understands Saturday's game at Notre Dame will be more difficult than past UK games. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Oscar Tshiebwe has a way with words. “Now is big-boy time. So, we go fight,” said Tshiebwe after Kentucky’s win over Southern Tuesday night.
He had a routine 23 points and 11 rebounds for him in the win in the final of seven “tune-up” games for Kentucky. Now the Cats play at Notre Dame Saturday, go to Las Vegas to play Ohio State Dec. 18 and then return to Rupp Arena to host Louisville Dec. 22.
“Like Coach (John Calipari) says, if you’re not willing to fight then go be a cheerleader on the bench. We know now it’s tough to work hard, but it’s a good time to work hard, to go fight,” Tshiebwe said.
“We’re going to go and fight to get better. I know we’re going to be ready for this upcoming game.”
It helps that the Cats are getting healthier. Davion Mintiz played Tuesday after missing three games. Jacob Toppin and Lance Ware are back to full speed. Only freshman Bryce Hopkins is still not 100 percent because of a back injury.
“To me this team is good, but we have had a couple of people off,” Tshiebwe said Tuesday night. “They came back slow but we are working so we can support each other and keep getting better like always.
“We had a great practice with this team. Coach told us they are coming to try their best to beat us, but we have got to come to play too. It was a tough game, but I’m glad we won, we can learn from these games and watch video to get better.”
Tshiebwe was slowed by two fouls in the first half and knows he has to find a way to avoid foul trouble because UK has not developed a dependable second rebounder.
“When I got those two fouls, I was just bringing a lot of energy and I don’t know when I get lost,” he said. “In the game, I wanted my head to stay in the game. Coming back (in the second half), I had a mentality about winning this game. I’ve got to be careful.
“My Coach told me in the locker room, ‘If you see you cannot get it, don’t reach, just go back, it’s not a touchdown.’ I was coming back down the floor telling myself I can get a post-up.
“I got to do my thing and I dominated because they did not have a big man. They can’t stop me down there. When I grab a rebound, it gives more of an opportunity for our team.”
One Response
Big O has to be careful about going over guys to get the ball. Some refs let it go to a point, others don’t. We need him on the floor more than we need any one particular rebound. The longer he stays on the floor, the more clean boards he can get. He can draw more fouls and score more points with extended play too. Keep playing hard Oscar, but play smart too.