After a stellar season, Kentucky ahead Oscar Tshiebwe can be returning to the Wildcats for his senior yr.
Tshiebwe, who stands at 6 ft 9 inches, introduced his choice Wednesday on ESPN SportsCenter.
He mentioned, “I’ll nonetheless be there subsequent yr for Kentucky.”
The choice of the junior was most anticipated by a Wildcats group that rode his dominating efficiency, particularly on boards. Tshiebwe was the nationwide chief with 15.1 rebounds per match and a mean of 17.4 factors. Tshiebwe additionally had 60 steals, 55 blocks and a complete of 17.4 factors per recreation. He ended the season with 16 consecutive double-doubles, surpassing Kentucky’s Dan Issel (26).
The West Virginia switch allowed the Wildcats (26-8), to return to the NCAA Match. In addition they obtained quite a few particular person honors from the Related Press, together with the Naismith & Wood awards for the nation’s finest participant. The second-seeded Kentucky was overwhelmed 85-79 by tiny No. Tshiebwe, 15-seed Saint Peter’s, had 30 factors and 16 rebounds in spherical one.
He mentioned that the bracket-busting defeat was one of the best motivation for him. I now know what the fact is. It’s not one thing I wish to do once more.
Tshiebwe, a Congolese nationwide, acknowledged that he had prayed and talked to his mom earlier than returning to high school final week. Tshiebwe acknowledged that he had at all times hoped to win the NBA lottery, however draft projections confirmed him getting within the second spherical.
Tshiebwe acknowledged that the NBA golf equipment needed to see his recreation enhance. “They need me capable of make a minimum of one or two 3-pointers. They need me catch the ball, drive and end and to enhance my dribbling. These are the issues I want to enhance on subsequent yr.
Tshiebwe’s pleasant character on the court docket, accessibility off has and willingness to signal autographs and take selfies made him very talked-about amongst Kentucky followers. In interviews, he usually spoke about his religion. This made him extremely sought-after to talk at church buildings all through Kentucky.