Kentucky star Oscar Tshiebwe declares for NBA draft while maintaining college eligibility
Oscar Tshiebwe put together two record-setting seasons at Kentucky.
There might not be a third.
The Wildcats' star forward, and the unanimous national player of the year in 2021-22, announced Friday evening he is declaring for the NBA draft in June but will maintain his college eligibility.
"At this time I feel as though it is best for me to declare for the NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility," the 6-foot-9, 260-pound Tshiebwe posted on his personal Instagram account. "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."
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Tshiebwe is projected to be a possible second round pick but is not a lock to be selected due to his limited size in the post. He was also exposed routinely this season on defense against pick and rolls.
The Wildcats hadn't planned on him being part of their 2023-24 roster. Following the team's season-ending loss to Kansas State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Kentucky coach John Calipari said he didn't believe any senior would use the extra year given to them by the NCAA. But former walk-on Brennan Canada said March 30 he would return for his fifth season.
"Oscar fulfilled a dream being here but he’s ready to chase this next dream," Calipari tweeted Friday night. "He’s ideal to have in your locker room (because) he’ll truly care about teammates, organization & community. I’m excited for him to go through this process to see if it’s his time to live out his ultimate goal."
Tshiebwe's potential departure continues an offseason overhaul for Calipari.
Tshiebwe joins senior forward Jacob Toppin, senior guard Antonio Reeves and freshman guard Cason Wallace in declaring for the draft. Sahvir Wheeler and freshman forward Ugonna Onyenso entered their names in the transfer portal in recent weeks.
Guard CJ Fredrick is the last UK senior yet to announce his plans for 2023-24.
That leaves Lance Ware, Chris Livingston and Daimion Collins as potentially the only returning forwards on the Wildcats roster next year.
Kentucky does have the top recruiting class in the nation coming to Lexington this fall, including four five-star prospects (guards DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards and Robert Dillingham and forward Aaron Bradshaw) and in-state product Reed Sheppard, a four-star recruit. Given the number of players who departed, the Wildcats almost certainly will hit the transfer portal to reinforce the roster.
As they once did with Tshiebwe, who began his college career at West Virginia.
Tshiebwe had 48 double-doubles at Kentucky — tied with Cotton Nash for second most in school history — in just 66 games. Had he returned in 2023-24, he likely would have made a run at Dan Issel's school record of 64.
In his two seasons at UK, Tshiebwe averaged 16.6 points and 14.4 rebounds per game. He led the nation in rebounding average both seasons (15.1 in 2021-22, 13.7 in 2022-23).
Along the way, he made the spectacular look routine.
Tshiebwe had six games of 22-plus points and 18 or more rebounds; all other SEC players in the last 10 seasons have combined for three. He had eight outings in which he pulled down at least 20 rebounds; every other UK player since 1970-71 have combined for just seven 20-rebound games. In last season's win at Florida, he made 92% (12 for 13) of his shots — the best single-game field goal percentage in program history (minimum 13 attempts).
Two performances last season stood above the rest: His 37-point, 24-rebound masterpiece in a come-from-behind home victory against Georgia, and his 25-rebound effort versus Providence, which set a Kentucky record for rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky star Oscar Tshiebwe declares for 2023 NBA draft
