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LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky men’s basketball senior forward Oscar Tshiebwe has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft but will retain his collegiate eligibility.
Players can submit paperwork to receive evaluations from the NBA and participate – if invited – in the NBA Draft Combine which is slated to take place May 15-21. The deadline to return to school is May 31.
“Oscar fulfilled one dream by being a Kentucky basketball player, but he’s ready to chase this next dream,” Calipari said. “There is no player in that league like Oscar. He’s also an ideal player to have in your locker room because he will truly care about his teammates, the organization and the community. I’m excited for Oscar to go through this process to see if it’s his time to live out his ultimate goal.”
Tshiebwe is perhaps the most decorated player in program history. He became the program’s first unanimous National Player of the Year in 2022 after pacing the nation in rebounding and setting numerous records.
He returned for a second season and became just the ninth player in program history to earn consensus All-America honors in at least two seasons. He led the Cats with 16.5 points and a nation-best 13.7 boards per game.
“First, I would like to thank God for everything He has done for me,” Tshiebwe said. “It has been amazing to see the many blessings He has shown me through my time at the University of Kentucky. I would like to thank my family and everyone who has supported me over the years while working towards my dream. I would also like to thank Coach Calipari and the coaching staff for believing in a kid from the Congo, as well as my teammates for standing beside me and fighting every day.
At this time, I feel as though it is best for me to declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility. As I continue down this path, I pray that I can continue to have the amazing love and support of BBN, as you will always be in my heart and prayers. Only God knows what my future holds, but until then, it’s time to get to work.”
Tshiebwe has averaged 16.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per game in 66 UK appearances. He ranks tied for second in career double-doubles (48), sixth in all-time career rebounds (952) and 48th in scoring (1,117).
The NBA Draft Combine will take place May 15-21 and the 2023 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 22.
8 Responses
If he drops from the draft, will he remain at UK or transfer???
I hope a team will see Oscar’s protentional the way Miami saw Bam’s potential. If not, Oscar should transfer. Calipari has made it plain that he is not the coach to get him ready for the NBA.
OldFan asks the big question.
Barry touches on an important point. The players that Calipari has touched on their journey from high school to high pay days would have gotten those high pay days if they had never annointed Calipari with their presence. He doesn’t develop and get players ready. They are destined to be in the NBA before he convinces them that he might be able to help them.
It’s true that any player that is in the NBA from Kentucky could have went anywhere and still got there. That is also true of any player in the NBA from Duke, Kansas, UCLA, or any other college in the country. They could have all followed Ja Morant to Murray State and still made it to the NBA. I would say Willie Callie-Stien, PJ Washington, and Nick Richard’s, to name a few, all developed under Calipari. Anyone that says a player should transfer from Ky or not come at all, is Not a Cats fan in my book.
You do realize the KY players you mentioned were all 5 star recruits. Other coaches develop 2,3, and 4 stars into NBA players.
Jim, I don’t understand there logic point of view of saying Oscar needs to transfer. Now the word is out that Ugonno may not transfer after all and wants to stay at ky. Someone in his camp is trying to convince him otherwise just for more NIl money. It’s a shame a kid can’t make his own decision.
I totally agree with Jim, Coach Cal has the most players in the NBA and that certainly speaks for itself. So, Mr. Professor if that is your profession I was raised on the saying: “Stay In Your Lane”. As a former player at UK it is hard to take in all the mess from media and from fans who love them while their up and then dog them when they don’t play the way fans think you ought to play. If Cal was not one hell of a coach his contract certainly would not be open. I’m just saying that it is not easy and I personally take my hat off to him.
Just checking Dorothy about your former player at UK comment. Trying to figure out if that meant you played for the Cats or just meant you were taking a player’s perspective. thanks
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