Oscar Tshiebwe working out for NBA teams, decision to come after
Kentucky star center Oscar Tshiebwe is knee-deep in the NBA Draft process, setting up visits and working out with teams as he decides whether to turn pro or return to college for one final season.
The senior standout, who earned consensus national player of the year honors at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, has already met with the Boston Celtics. That trip took place this past weekend, with Tshiebwe sharing a picture from the team’s practice facility on Friday.
From there, the 6-foot-9 center has workouts scheduled with the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings, with more to come, Adam Zagoria of ZAGSBLOG.com reports. He adds that a return to Kentucky remains on the table.
Tshiebwe announced he would be testing the NBA Draft waters back on April 7 while maintaining his college eligibility. He’s one of three Wildcats to explore the draft while leaving the door open for a potential return, joining Antonio Reeves and Chris Livingston. Jacob Toppin and Cason Wallace both decided to forgo the remainder of their eligibility.
Seen as a potential second-rounder, the former national player of the year is rated as the No. 66 overall prospect on ESPN’s list of best-available players ahead of the draft.
“First, I would like to thank God for everything he has done for me! It has been amazing to see the many blessings he has shown me through my time at the University of Kentucky,” Tshiebwe announced. “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 averaged 16.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals in his second year in Lexington and fourth overall at the collegiate level. His first year at Kentucky was one of the most dominant in recent memory both at the school and in the sport overall, averaging 17.4 points, 15.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks per contest before sweeping player of the year honors — along with every other major award the sport had to offer.
As the native of the Congo weighs his options, Kentucky remains in pursuit of Michigan star transfer Hunter Dickinson, who just wrapped up his official visit to Villanova this past weekend. He previously took officials to Kentucky and Kansas, along with unofficials to Maryland and Georgetown. A final decision is expected to come sooner rather than later.
It’s crucial for the Wildcats to get one star center or the other going into 2023-24. Will that happen? Where would Kentucky turn if Dickinson heads elsewhere and Tshiebwe keeps his name in the draft?
Hopefully that’s not a question we have to answer.
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