After a stellar season, Kentucky ahead Oscar Tshiebwe will likely be returning to the Wildcats for his senior 12 months.
Tshiebwe, who stands at 6 toes 9 inches, introduced his determination Wednesday on ESPN SportsCenter.
He stated, “I’ll nonetheless be there subsequent 12 months for Kentucky.”
The choice of the junior was most anticipated by a Wildcats crew 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 sport. 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. Additionally 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 stated 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, said that he had prayed and talked to his mom earlier than returning to high school final week. Tshiebwe said that he had at all times hoped to win the NBA lottery, however draft projections confirmed him getting within the second spherical.
Tshiebwe said that the NBA golf equipment wished to see his sport 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 would like to enhance on subsequent 12 months.
Tshiebwe’s pleasant persona on the courtroom, accessibility off has and willingness to signal autographs and take selfies made him highly regarded amongst Kentucky followers. In interviews, he typically spoke about his religion. This made him extremely sought-after to talk at church buildings all through Kentucky.