Oscar Tshiebwe went home for the first time in six years in May and now is a national player of the year candidate. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Finally even the University of Kentucky is on the Oscar Tshiebwe bandwagon. Kentucky unveiled a Tshiebwe for National Player of the Year with a “Oscar Worthy” video on social media Tuesday. The Kentucky center made sure his mother got to see it.
“My mom was very happy,” Tshiebwe said after amassing 18 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in a win at South Carolina. “She called me and said I don’t know what to tell you, I’m going to get to my knees and pray for you and everything you have accomplished. Stay focused and positive and share the word of God with people.”
She told her son she was proud of everything he had accomplished and told him if he keeps doing the same and God will continue to show who he is if Tshiebwe remains faithful to him — something he always does.
He joined a Bible study class when he transferred from West Virginia to UK. He often cites reference to God and his faith in press conferences.
“I love what God is doing in my life,” he posted on Twitter this week.
Remember he went six years without going home to Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, after he came to the United States. He finally went home in May to see his parents and take a rare break from basketball.
“That was the only chance I get to see my family after six years (in the United States),” Tshiebwe said. “I went home because I went through a lot since I came to America from my transition. Obviously, I have a host family and they are family, but sometimes you need … your own mom and dad, family and brothers.”
Tshiebwe’s mother told him to free his mind from all he had been through to get where he is now.
“I forgot about everything I went through and just came back with a different mind — everything was clear from everything I went through,” Tshiebwe said.
He is averaging 15.9 points and a nation-best 15.1 rebounds per game. He’s shooting 60.2 percent from the field — he has not taken a 3-point shot — and 69.2 percent at the foul line (74 of 107). He also has 46 steals, 36 blocks and 25 assists.
