Oscar Tshiebwe was not one of the 58 players picked in the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday night.
The former National Player of the Year went undrafted, but will now have the opportunity to sign an undrafted free agent contract or a Summer League deal with one of 30 NBA teams.
Tshiebwe is the first Naismith Award winner ever to go unselected in the NBA Draft. The Naismith Award has been given out every season since 1969.
Tshiebwe was not the only productive college big man to go undrafted. Gonzaga’s Drew Timme and UConn’s Adama Sanogo also were not picked in Thursday night’s draft.
The former Kentucky star will likely play in Summer League with an NBA team next month. If he plays well, it’s possible Tshiebwe could earn an extended opportunity with a franchise. Another possible route is that Tshiebwe will begin his professional career in the G-League or overseas.
Tshiebwe was a 2-time consensus All-American during his time with the Wildcats. Last season, he averaged 16.5 points and 13.7 rebounds per contest.
Kentucky produced 2 NBA Draft picks this year. Cason Wallace was selected No. 10 overall and will play for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Chris Livingston was picked No. 58 overall with the final pick in the draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
