South Carolina State coach Erik Martin coached Oscar Tshiebwe at West Virginia and is happy he's doing so well at Kentucky. (South Carolina State Photo)
Erik Martin was an assistant coach at West Virginia when Oscar Tshiebwe played there before transferring to Kentucky and blossoming into the unanimous national player of the year last season.
Martin is now the head coach at South Carolina State and got to watch Tshiebwe again when he brought his team to Rupp Arena last week. Tshiebwe played only 14 minutes because the game was between matchups with Michigan State and Gonzaga and coach John Calipari did not want to risk him injuring his knee again.
Tshiebwe had six points on 3-for-6 shooting, seven rebounds and one steal. However, Martin knows how good he is.
“He still looks like Oscar. One time tonight, he missed a shot and by the time the ball was coming off the rim, he was already back up at the ball and getting it on the glass,” Martin said.
“I tried to tell our guys, you’re going to have to hit him. That doesn’t mean you’re going to stop him but at least he’ll know you’re there.”
Martin said it is impossible not to be happy for Tshiebwe’s success at Kentucky.
“Just seeing his smile, Oscar, he’s a great kid. Although I wasn’t happy that he left West Virginia, I’m happy that he’s doing what he’s doing,” the South Carolina State coach said. “At the end of the day, when you’re a coach, you want these kids to be successful.”
“You want them obviously to be successful with you, but if they leave you still cheer. So, I’m glad he’s doing well here. I wish he wouldn’t have played tonight, but I don’t think that would have changed the outcome.”
