John Calipari explains his role in helping Oscar Tshiebwe with the draft
After opting to test the 2023 NBA draft, Kentucky All-American Oscar Tshiebwe has been getting some assistance from head coach John Calipari throughout the process.
Tshiebwe declared for the draft on April 7 with the option to return to school next season. He has worked out with several teams thus far and is in the process of gaining feedback from coaches and executives regarding his draft positioning.
Calipari is also in communication with teams, as well.
The three-time Naismith Coach of the Year revealed Thursday on the “Dan Patrick Show” that he is helping Tshiebwe during the pre-draft process and gathering information for him.
He was in my office yesterday. I’m talking to NBA teams. I talked to one owner about Oscar because he is going to do some more workouts. My thing, right now, is to do everything I can to help Oscar get into that league because I believe he’ll stay. … Do I want to coach Oscar another year? Yes! I want to coach him another year but if I’m doing right by him, I gotta give him every opportunity to run this out and see exactly where he is.
Tshiebwe was a consensus second-team All-American last season after averaging 16.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals and one block. He led the country in rebounding for the second straight year and ranked second in total rebound percentage (23.6).
The 6-foot-9 forward is not currently projected to be drafted but will have the opportunity to work out with more teams before the early entry withdrawal deadline on May 31. He could also be a candidate to participate in the combine or G League Elite Camp this month.
Certainly, Calipari wants to see Tshiebwe, and the rest of his players, succeed and move onto the next level. However, he also wants to ensure that Tshiebwe has all of the available information first before making that decision.
Calipari and Wildcats fans will be curious to see what happens.
