It’s NBA or Kentucky for Oscar Tshiebwe — no transfer
No, Oscar Tshiebwe will not be wearing another college basketball uniform in 2023-24. It’d make sense to consider it financially — what school wouldn’t want to throw a bag at a larger-than-life celebrity who happens to be one of the most dominant players of our generation? He’s made great money at Kentucky and would do so again in his final year of eligibility, but maybe a fresh pool of NIL opportunities (dollars) would be intriguing at another school desperate for a home-run hit in the portal?
Schools may try to pry through backchannels — they have — but it’s a non-starter for the former national player of the year. Tshiebwe told Ben Roberts of the Herald-Leader at the NBA Draft Combine this week in Chicago it will be pro or back to Kentucky, one or the other. A transfer is not on the table.
“That is not an option,” Tshiebwe told Roberts. “I will never transfer. Kentucky’s my home. If there’s a chance to go professional, I’ll go pro. If there’s a chance to not go professional, I will go back to Kentucky. I’ve never even thought about going (another) place. Kentucky is my home. It’s a dream place. I can’t leave my home. That’s my place, forever.”
He described his two-and-a-half-year journey in Lexington as “probably the best time in my life.” Pro or back to college for one final season, he is “so appreciative of everything the people have done for us. And everything I have accomplished for Kentucky — I’m very grateful for that. I will continue to be a part of the Big Blue Nation forever.”
Tshiebwe is coming off a 10-point, 16-rebound effort in his first scrimmage at the Draft Combine, continuing to do Oscar Tshiebwe things on the big stage. He finished with a team-high +26 in a 107-88 victory, battling inside against fellow college basketball superstars Adama Sonogo (UConn) and Drew Timme (Gonzaga). It wasn’t a perfect performance — defensive miscues remained and he continued to struggle against length — but you’d be lying if you said the standout Wildcat didn’t help himself.
And that’s his ultimate goal. He’s not ruling out a third and final season at Kentucky, but if the right opportunity presents itself in the NBA, that’s the path he’ll ultimately take.
“Right now, it’s still (a possibility),” Tshiebwe said of a potential return to Lexington. “I just want to continue and see. I’m praying everything can go well. I’m praying that a team can get me. … This is my dream. My dream is to play in the NBA.”
Ranked No. 64 overall in ESPN’s latest big board of draft-eligible prospects, it doesn’t hurt that Tshiebwe knocked down 12 of 25 3-point attempts in an individual shooting drill, a smooth 48 percent. He showed off that same touch in the Combine scrimmage, hitting a quick-trigger 13-footer without hesitation, then launching and drilling a long two from the top of the key.
And then a strong showing in his individual pro day, continuing to knock down shots from deep with scouts and team personnel in attendance.
Tshiebwe is seen as a fringe draft prospect, but all it takes is one team to fall in love with him to close out the process. A guaranteed contract would almost certainly seal the deal on his future plans, which have to be decided by May 31, the final withdrawal deadline.
He’s already worked out for the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings. Then after the Combine, he’ll have the ability to continue individual workouts and interviews before making a final decision.
When that time comes, though, it will be the NBA or Kentucky. Nothing else is on the table.
For more of Ben Roberts’ interview with Tshiebwe for the Herald-Leader, click here.
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