Oscar Tshiebwe a great ambassador for UK but still not certain about his future

Oscar Tshiebwe will let God guide his decision about what to do next season. (Photo by Associated Press)

I’m not sure whether Oscar Tshiebwe has won more national awards or been asked more times by national media members in the last two weeks about his future — will he stay at Kentucky for another season or turn pro.

Harold McKinney, a former Boyle County judge-executive and a long-time UK fan, probably has the perfect perspective on the UK star.

“Had he not won a single award he would still be a great ambassador for the basketball program, the university, and the state generally,” McKinney said.

He’s right. Tshiebwe averaged 17.4 points, 15.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.6 steals per game and started all 34 games for UK last season. Yet his demeanor off the floor was almost spellbinding with the way UK fans gravitated to him because of his kindness, humbleness and faith.

Sunday he was asked again on the CBS Sports Network about his future after he won the Naismith Player of the Year award. He called it a “great question” but really didn’t change what he had been saying since UK was eliminated from NCAA play.

“I’ve been praying about it and I know I have a big decision to make. It’s up to God and (he’ll) help me with (it) and that’s what I’m going to make,” Tshiebwe said. “It would be great to get  in the blue again because I love the place, I love the fans and love everything about Kentucky, but whatever decision God has told me to do, that’s what I’m going to do.”

It would be even greater for UK fans to see Tshiebwe in the blue again. He has until April 24 to declare for the draft — and one would think he would explore his options. He would then have until June 1 to withdraw from the draft and stay at UK.