Oscar Tshiebwe finished the season with 515 rebounds and became only the third Cat ever to have 500 or more in a season. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Oscar Tshiebwe doubled over and was obviously emotional when the final horn sounded Thursday night in Kentucky’s 85-79 overtime loss to Saint Peter’s that ended UK’s season. Tshiebwe not only had a national player of the year-type season, but he was also the heart and soul of this team in his first season playing for the Wildcats.
“I stayed locked and focused because I know this game was not going to be easy, told my teammates, we just got to stay focused. They are going to try to play, especially me in the post, they were going to try to double me,” said Tshiebwe.
“I think we fight. I think we just missed a couple shots and defense, we struggled a little bit but we give our best. I think that’s what I can say.”
Tshiebwe let his play do his talking. He had 30 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks (it was the first time any UK player had at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in an NCAA game). He was 11 of 16 from the field and 8-for-12 at the foul line.
He averaged a team-best 17.4 points per game and nation-best 15.1 rebounds per game. He led the team in field goal percentage (.606), steals (60), and blocked shots (55) also. He was second on the team in minutes played averaging 32 minutes per game and played in all 34 games.
Tshiebwe had his 16th straight double-double and school-record 28th of the season. He also became only the third UK player ever to have 500 or more rebounds in a season (he now has 515).
Now UK fans wonder if he will return for another season or try his luck in the NBA where he’s projected as a likely second-round pick.
Asked about his future after Thursday’s loss, he admitted he did not know yet.
“That’s a decision I’m going to talk with Coach. I don’t know yet,” he said.
What he does know is that he was not ready for the season to end.
“It is sad because I’ve been wanting this moment for a long time. I’m a junior and this is three years in college and this is my first March Madness. I even told my teammates, this is not going to be easy for us. If we don’t — if we are not willing to fight, any team in March Madness, they make it for a reason,” Tshiebwe said.
“So we’ve got to be locked in. We’ve got to be ready to go. So I think everybody tried and did their best they could. I did the best I could. It just happens sometimes like that. But one thing I’m going to say, we are just going to stay together and just trust the process. Losing and winning is part of the game. And I don’t know, just to stay together.”
Calipari had nothing but praise for his junior center who even got emotional during the press conference.
“I just saw 30 and 16, and they had five guys playing him. He’s done something that hadn’t been done in a long time, and he made everybody better,” Calipari said. “Now, you may not believe this, but we led our league in 3-point shooting. A lot of that opened up the court for him. But when you’re not making any shots, it makes it even tougher for him.
“But you just heard him. I mean, so thoughtful and such a great kid. He and I will sit down in the next day or two to figure out what path is for him.”
5 Responses
Player of the Year is going to be a second round pick??? He should go pro and will be a lottery pick for sure. Staying another year with a coach that doesn’t preach inside out play just doesn’t make sense. He could get hurt and that would be it. Go pro, Oscar and thanks for making UK basketball fun to watch again.
The thing is his NIL deal will bring more money than getting drafted in 2nd round if he decides to come back.
Why are you trying to "run him off". If Cal said the same thing to Oscar that’s what you would say.
Lottery Pick? He cannot score against, or guard, taller players. He has an adequate mid-range shot if left open, but has not shown that he can hit from further out, which is a must for big men in the NBA. He is somewhat foul-prone.
Although he is one of my favorite all-time players at UK, he is certainly no lottery pick. He wasn’t even a marginal 1st-rouind draft choice until the last few weeks.
Great article Larry! Speaking as a selfish person – I sure would love to have him back next year! He was certainly loved in our house here in Tennessee! I do want him to do what is best for him however. Did his mom make it here to see him play? I have been unable to locate any info in that regard?