Oscar Tshiebwe national player of the year and an All-America selection this past season announced that he will remain in the 2023 NBA Draft and forego his final season of NCAA eligibility.
The 6-foot-9 Power Forward/Center from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who started at West Virginia in which he led the Mountaineers in both scoring at 11.2 ppg and rebounding 9.3 rpg was named to the All-Big 12 Freshman Team as well as the All-Big 12 Second Team. In his sophomore campaign his numbers went down to 8.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
After his sophomore season Tshiebwe entered the transfer portal after the first semester. In the 2021-22 season 17.4 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. At the end of the season, he was named the recipient of the 2022 Wooden Award, Naismith Award, SEC Player of the Year, and earned consensus All-American honors. This past season, he averaged 16.5 points and 13.7 rebounds per game which including that he led the nation in rebounds per game.
Tshiebwe led the Wildcats in scoring in both of his seasons with Kentucky. He had an impressive showing at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago two weeks ago. However he is projected a second round pick at this present time.
Even so if he gets drafted he will bring his ability to rebound and score as a role player. With his performance and workouts his stock can possibly rise however we will wait and see. I project for him to be a contributor in the league.
