Kentucky can find ways to make Oscar Tshiebwe even better

Oscar Tshiebwe won't play in tonight's Blue-White Game because of his recent knee surgery. (Vicky Graff Photo)

The “minor” knee surgery that all-American Oscar Tshiebwe had last week is not expected to impact his play this season according to coach John Calipari who actually said at SEC Media Days that the recovery might even be ahead of schedule.

Tshiebwe, who will not play in tonight’s Blue-White Game in Pikeville, was the unanimous national player of the year last season when he was a double-double machine. His rebounding numbers were phenomenal and he showcased his versatility all season.

Yet assistant coach Chin Coleman says Tshiebwe has to be better this year than he was during his national player of the year season.

“That is the challenge. You can’t rest on what he did last year. It is a different year and different challenges,” Coleman said. “We have to see how much we can get out of him and how much more we can add value to his game.”

“He could be a better overall player and yet his numbers not as great as they were last year.”

How would that work?

“We want to make him a better player and that does not mean averaging 20 (points) and 20 (rebounds). Make him a more efficient shooter, better ball handler. Make his assists to turnover ratio better,” Coleman said.

“There are things we can do to help him get better, make him even a better all-around player. And Oscar gets that. He wants to be better and knows it is about more than scoring when it comes to being a better player.”