Oscar Tshiebwe praised West Virginia coach Bob Huggins Friday. (Vicky Graff Photo)
It was not exactly a love fest but it certainly was a lot better than the recent bitterness between Kentucky center Oscar Tshiebwe and West Virginia coach Bob Huggins. Remember it started when Huggins said Tshiebwe was never willing to work that hard when he was at West Virginia before transferring midway of his sophomore season.
“We lost an alleged McDonald’s All-American because he didn’t like the fact that we were making him do things that were hard, ” Huggins said after a West Virginia win earlier this season.
Actually all the way back at UK Medal Day in October there was a hint of bitterness when Tshiebwe said he never felt comfortable at West Virginia and the offense did not allow him enough room to operate inside.
After Huggins ripped Tshiebwe’s work ethic, the UK junior said Huggins tried to ruin his career in an interview before later saying that it was others around West Virginia doing that and Huggins only told him he was “ruining your life” by transferring.
On Friday. during the Georgia pregame press conference, Tshiebwe was asked when rebounding became important to him. He’s leading the nation in rebounding this season with 15 rebounds per game.
He said rebounding was always important to him but when he got to West Virginia, Huggins showed him how to become an even better rebounder.
“Bob Huggins really helped me for rebounding,” Tshiebwe said. “If they shoot the ball, go to the opposite side.”
Tshiebwe said if he did not go to the opposite side when the ball was shot to be in position to rebound, then Huggins would have him run at practice.
“That really helped me. It got me to stop watching the ball,” Tshiebwe said. “Go position yourself in a place where you might get the ball and don’t let anybody move you out. I feel like I can get the ball. Nobody in the country can keep me from getting a rebound.”
And based on what he’s done this year, I don’t think even Huggins could disagree.
13 Responses
Huggins is alright. I like his coaching style really. He was upset with the transfer and made comments about Oscar that may have been true form Huggins and West Virginia’s viewpoint. I would have been upset too had I been in Huggins shoes. I think Huggins is a good coach, but UK got one of his big time players. That stung. Oscar is making a name for himself now at UK, and setting records, especially rebounding. He took the high ground, and gave Huggins a compliment, good for Oscar.
Good – try GREAT!
Huggins is one of the greatest of all time. Under Hugs…3rd line recruits become front line players. When you play a Huggins team- you’re in for a battle
He hasn’t really done anytbi g differently at UK than at WVU hahaha. He’s just playing for a "players coach" now bc he couldn’t handle it. I was there, and i covered it.
Funny I don’t remember Oscar averaging 15 rebounds per game at West Virginia or scoring 29 points in a game. Not sure what you covered
I believe your right ✅
Thumbs-up!! Great response!!
Agree Mary
That’s because he was averaging 9 rebounds a game (as a freshman) playing next to Derek Culver, who was also an excellent rebounder. He was also doing this in the Big12, which is miles beyond the SEC in hoops, especially when you consider Oscar is on the best team in the SEC.
Not too get in this but Oscar is a great player , Bob Huggins is a great coach… But the reason Oscar didn’t average more rebuilds at WVU isn’t because he is playing for a players coach …. It is one hundred percent Derek Culver’s fault… It is my humble opinion this what it is because of COVID virus and no fans in the stands… A lot of kids moved around and Kentucky had a really bad year , the two needed each other… I love all places and coach /player…
Your past does not matter it’s your future that flies the airplane..
Huggins is a demanding coach. If u can’t handle him bringing out the best in u.WV is not.the place for u.
He was a sophomore, if he’d had hung in there. Who knows?
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