Jared Prickett believes Oscar Tshiebwe can keep having big rebounding numbers

During his playing career at Kentucky there was one thing Jared Prickett normally did well — rebound. The former West Virginia Mr. Basketball played in 143 games from 1992-97 for coach Rick Pitino and had 998 points, 777 rebounds, 274 assists and 187 steals. He played on UK’s 1993 and 1997 Final Four teams and was on the 1996 national championship team even though he played just five games because of knee issues.

During one game in 1994, Prickett had 20 rebounds — a Rupp Arena record for a Kentucky player that Oscar Tshiebwe matched this season.

Prickett now lives in Ashland — his wife’s hometown — where he coaches a sixth-grade basketball team and is also the assistant coach on the high school team favored to win another regional title.

Prickett has watched what Tshiebwe has done this season on the boards and has been impressed. He is averaging 16.1 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocked shots per game – all team highs. He’s hitting 64.9 percent from the field – also best on the team. He’s tied for the team lead in steals with 16. He has nine double-doubles in 11 games.

“He is as good as anybody Kentucky has ever had and maybe as good nationally as you can find,” Prickett said. “He is as good as you get. I had a knack for the ball but he’s amazing.

“It’s not like he is getting 20 rebounds in one game. He’s getting almost 20 rebounds every game. He is so big and so strong around the basket and just has a true knack for the ball. It’s exciting and a lot of fun to watch him play.”

Tshiebwe had a historic game against Western Kentucky with a Rupp Arena record 28 rebounds — seven more than the previous record set by Shaquille O’Neal. He had one more rebound than Western’s team.

Prickett doesn’t think Tshiebwe has found any secrets to rebounding or unique ways to succeed.

“I just think that is kind of what he does. He does it the entire game. There is no off button where he is out on the perimeter. When that ball is shot, he’s going to the basket. Most of the time he is around the basket anyway and he just goes and gets the ball,” Prickett said.

“Now he can really read the ball coming off the basket as well. But to be as big as he is and as athletic as he is helps out a little bit too. He has some special physical gifts.”

Sometimes former players don’t always appreciate what current players do or enjoy watching games. Prickett says he “loves” what Tshiebwe does.

“He is one of the most fun players that I have watched in a long time. I appreciate the true work he is doing down low,” Prickett said. “I think the Kentucky fans absolutely love him for what he does because he is out there working so hard and Kentucky basketball fans appreciate that. I think he has a really bright future ahead of him.”

Rebounders are not normally the most popular player on a team, but he excites fans. Prickett says it reminds him of the way former NBA all-star Dennis Rodman became so popular with his rebounding prowess.

“Not only is he rebounding, but he’s getting points. He is not getting 18 or 20 rebounds and four points. He’s getting 18 rebounds and 20 points or 18 and 18. It’s impressive what he is doing. I really like and enjoy it and it’s easy to see that fans do,” Prickett said.

Opposing teams obviously are paying more and more attention to Tshiebwe. Southeastern Conference teams will also have bigger, more physical players to counter Tshiebwe than most non-conference opponents did. However, Prickett doesn’t think that will diminish Tshiebwe’s productivity.

“He completely outworks people. He is strong enough to do that and strong enough to man up with just about anybody. I think he can continue doing what he has been doing,” Prickett said. “Or at least I hope he can because it is really fun to see.”