-
Jeff Borzello, ESPN Workers Author
Kentucky star Oscar Tshiebwe introduced Wednesday that he plans to maintain his title within the NBA draft, ending an impressive faculty profession highlighted by consensus Nationwide Participant of the 12 months honors in 2022.
Tshiebwe entered the draft in early April, however left open the choice to return to the Wildcats for one more season. He had till midnight to make a closing choice.
“I wish to thank Coach Cal and his employees for his or her assist and perception in me throughout my life at UK,” Tshiebwe stated in an announcement posted to Instagram. “Lastly, I wish to thank BBN for the love, assist and loyalty you could have given me and my teammates over time. I would not wish to play for anybody or anyplace else.
“Throughout this time, I’ve determined to stay within the 2023 NBA Draft and start my skilled profession. I hope as I proceed to battle for my dream of taking part in within the NBA, you’ll proceed to assist me. Thanks BBN for every thing and I’m so fortunate to at all times name Kentucky dwelling.”
A 6-foot-9 heart from Congo, Tshiebwe was the consensus Nationwide Participant of the 12 months two seasons in the past after averaging 17.4 factors and an NCAA-leading 15.1 rebounds per sport. He as soon as once more led the nation in rebounding this previous season, tallying 13.7 per sport, whereas additionally scoring 16.5 factors and taking pictures 56% from the sphere. He once more earned All-American honors.
Tshiebwe spent the primary season and a half of his faculty profession at West Virginia, averaging 11.2 factors and 9.3 rebounds as a freshman earlier than leaving the West Virginia Mountaineers after 10 video games in 2020-21.
Regardless of his traditionally spectacular manufacturing on the faculty stage, Tshiebwe is ranked No. 75 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings and is not a lock to be chosen.
Tshiebwe is the most recent departure in what has been a tumultuous offseason for John Calipari and Kentucky. The Wildcats have additionally seen Cason Wallace and Jacob Toppin declare for the NBA draft, whereas Antonio Reeves and Chris Livingston are weighing their choices with hours left till the withdrawal deadline.
Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Fredrick, Daimion Collins and Lance Ware all departed Kentucky through the switch portal this offseason.
If Reeves and Livingston do not return to Lexington, Kentucky has simply seven scholarship gamers on its roster — 5 freshmen and two sophomores who mixed to common 4.8 factors final season. The Wildcats are bringing within the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class, nevertheless, led by top-10 prospects Justin Edwards, D.J. Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw.