Former Kentucky Forward Oscar Tshiebwe Keeping Name in NBA Draft

An all-time Kentucky Wildcat is headed to the NBA draft after two seasons in Lexington.

One of the best players in the recent history of the Kentucky basketball program is not returning to Lexington for a third season. 

After a topsy-turvy offseason that left nearly everyone in the dark, former National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe is keeping his name in the NBA draft and not returning to UK for a third season. The decision was announced on Wednesday, the final day that a player can withdraw from the draft.

BREAKING: Oscar Tshiebwe is going pro. #BBN pic.twitter.com/MCvRo5DN4t

— Lyndsey Gough (@LGonTV) May 31, 2023

"First, I would like to thank God for the many blessings he has shown me. I know I wouldn't be here without him guiding me through this journey of life. Second, I would like to thank my family and closest friends for everything they have sacrificed in getting me to this point in my life. I would like to thank Coach Cal and his staff for their support and belief in me during my life at UK. Lastly, I would like to thank BBN for the love, support and loyalty you have given me and my teammates over the years. I wouldn't want to play for anyone or anywhere else. 

During this time, I have decided to remain in the 2023 NBA draft and begin my professional career. I hope as I continue to fight for my dream of playing in the NBA you will continue to support me. Thank you BBN for everything and I am so lucky to always call Kentucky home."

Tshiebwe has worked out for the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks, while also getting a chance to showcase his talents in the draft combine, which seemed to have helped his potential draft stock. 

He averaged 16.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per game in 66 UK appearances. He ranks tied for second in career double-doubles (48), sixth in all-time career rebounds (952) and 48th in scoring (1,117).

He's Kentucky's ninth two-time consensus All-American and earned or was a finalist for the following awards in his second season in Lexington:

• USBWA Second-Team All-America
• NABC Second-Team All-America
• Associated Press Second-Team All-America
• Sporting News Third-Team All-America
• All-SEC First Team (coaches and media)
• John R. Wooden Award finalist
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award finalist
• Oscar Robertson Trophy late season watch list

It all followed the Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo native becoming the program's first unanimous National Player of the Year after hauling in 17.4 points and 15.1 rebounds a game, taking the college basketball world by storm. 

He earned about every major award he was eligible for, cementing his place as a Kentucky legend before deciding to return for a second season. He led the Cats with 16.5 points and a nation-best 13.7 boards per game last season.

“Oscar fulfilled one dream by being a Kentucky basketball player, but he’s ready to chase this next dream,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “There is no player in that league like Oscar. He’s also an ideal player to have in your locker room because he will truly care about his teammates, the organization and the community."

Tshiebwe's draft stock isn't high, but he's set on taking a chance of himself at the professional level. The forward will likely see his jersey hanging in the rafters of Rupp Arena in the future, as he left an impact on the program, on and off the court. 

Now, sights are set on making it in the NBA. The draft is set for June 22. 

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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