Oscar Tshiebwe could return for another season at UK but will still go through Senior Night Wednesday. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Six Kentucky seniors — Jacob Toppin, Oscar Tshiebwe, CJ Fredrick, Antonio Reeves, Sahvir Wheeler and Brennan Canada — will participate in Senior Night festivities Wednesday before UK hosts Vanderbilt in its final home game this season.
It will be the most players to go through the Senior Day ceremony in coach John Calipari’s tenure at Kentucky.
However, it’s not a given that some of the players will not return for the 2023-24 season because all six have another year of eligibility remaining. A UK release said decision on their futures will “be made at a later date”
While all six still have eligibility for the 2023-24 season, decisions on the future will be made at a later date.
Tshiebwe joked after Saturday’s win over Auburn that he was “getting old” with senior festivities approaching.
“I’m about to graduate. I will make my mom’s dream come true. I will be the first of seven children she will have to graduate from college,” Tshiebwe said. “I have two older brothers, two older sisters. I will be the first one to graduate.
“I wish she was here (in Lexington). That will make my family proud.”
He said many thought he would just “follow” what his older brothers and sisters did and not graduate.
“But God had something great, so I am just excited,” Tshiebwe said.
Tshiebwe was named Southeastern Conference player of the week Monday after his dominant play against Florida and Auburn when he averaged 23.5 points per game and shot 87 percent (20 of 23) from the field. It was his second time to win the award this season.
Tshiebwe flirted with leaving UK for the NBA after his national player of the year honors last season. He could return to Kentucky for another season to earn NIL dollars but most believe he will either play in the NBA or overseas next season.
The most likely senior to return would seem to be Reeves, who has been UK’s best scorer and leading 3-point shooter. Coach John Calipari has grown to value his overall play and his shooting could be a nice fit with UK’s incoming recruiting class.
No way could I see Wheeler back with Rob Dillingham and DJ Wagner arriving. Same with Toppin with Justin Edwards and Aaron Bradshaw coming on board.
Fredrick? That’s more interesting. He’s engaged and has been injured most of his two years at UK. He could say enough is enough or the competitor in him could want one more year to show what he can do.
However, they are all going to enjoy Wednesday’s ceremony so if it is their last game, they’ll get the total love from Big Blue Nation.
4 Responses
Congratulations Oscar. Maybe Calipari will spend some money and have your mom at the game tomorrow night.
NCAA will not allow Cal to do this.
For players who can’t walk into a good NBA contract, NIL makes it is easier for them to return for the COVID year, provided they enjoy being there. We may well get some surprises, some may return, some may transfer and some roll the dice to make it professionally. Those who can go in the first round or a team promises them a contract, they will go for it, they have to!
I love this s guy so much!
I love this team so much.
Cats, I’ve said from the mid season you were going ALL THE WAY!!!!$$
You’ve got this!!!!!!😸😸😸