Oscar Tshiebwe announces plans ahead of NBA Draft, sends message to Kentucky fans
By Keith Farner
Published:
Oscar Tshiebwe made the announcement that many expected, as the Kentucky big man wrote on Instagram that he would remain in the NBA Draft.
“During this time, I have decided to remain in the 2023 NBA Draft and begin my professional career,” he wrote. “… God has great plans for me and I am filled with hope for a great future – Jeremiah 29:11 Always in my heart and prayers BBN ??”
Tshiebwe was the 2021-22 National Player of the Year, a ferocious rebounder and one of the best in recent memory. Tshiebwe is tied for 15th for the most career rebounds (1,317) in a college career since 1985-86 and with 437 rebounds, he set a UK single-season record for total rebounds as a senior.
Tshiebwe, who started his career at West Virginia before he transferred to Kentucky in 2021, last season averaged 16.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game.
Tshiebwe had 20 double-doubles as a senior and finished his career tied for second in career double-doubles (48).
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John Calipari also weighed in on the decision.
Oscar achieved things that no other player has in decades, and I wish we could have won more but he gave everything he had to Kentucky. He also became the first member of his family to receive a college diploma and I know how much that means to him and more importantly, his…
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) May 31, 2023
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
