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At first he was eager for the challenge waiting for him next season at Kentucky. Then he opted to put his name into the transfer portal on April 5th to see what might be out there. Now he’s decided to stay at Kentucky.
It has been a hectic few weeks for 7-foot freshman Ugonna Onyenso but he announced on Twitter Wednesday that he was staying at Kentucky.
He announced his decision to return on Wednesday.
“BBN, I’m back and looking forward to chasing my dream of winning a national championship with my brothers! Go Cats!” Onyenso tweeted.
Credit Kentucky coach John Calipari for making this happen and allowing it to happen. Not every coach would want a player back who explored transfer options. My WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk co-host Jack Pilgrim told us two weeks ago that Onyenso wanted to stay in Kentucky but his “people” were not happy and wanted him to leave.
Obviously Calipari and his staff never gave up on Onyenso and wanted him back. Also remember that Calipari said on last weekly radio show that he thought Onyenso could be a star next year.
Maybe this could also mean that Calipari knows Oscar Tshiebwe won’t be back even though there is growing speculation that the two-time All-American might eventually take his name out of the NBA Draft and stay at UK one more season.
Onyenso averaged just 6.9 minutes, 2.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game last season. He played just 18 minutes total in SEC play and did not play in the NCAA Tournament. His best overall game was against Michigan when he had four points, two rebounds and two blocked shots in UK’s win.
2 Responses
Onyenso should have played a starting role at center this season. Sure, he was raw and needed PT to develop, but he could have been a respectable 5 by tourney time. Oscar could have played the 4 spot and would have developed an outside shot, and Jacob could have adapted to the 3 spot and been the biggest mismatch in college basketball. Antonio would have flourished at the 2 and Wallace would have been the best choice for point. If this had been our starting five all season long with Orlando as coach, we would have been a Final Four lock. Instead, we had Calipari as coach who insisted on trying to make Wheeler NBA ready and you know the rest.
Onyenso should have listened to the people who wanted him to transfer. Calipari will be ga ga all over Wagner next year and Onyenso will just be another limited role player.
It has always been difficult to deal with young star players in a program ie UK. But now that the flood gates are fully open for agents, unlimited NIL and annual unrestricted free agency, it is really difficult. It is a new world that May takes years for it to settle out. Like Cal or not, no one understands the business end of college basketball, but he like all humans, does not have magical skills.
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