#34 Oscar Tshiebwe: Profile, NBA Draft Projection, Achievements, Stats, and Latest News Feed
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6′ 9″
Weight: 260 lbs
Class: Senior
Hometown: Lumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Oscar Tshiebwe is one of the best double-double big men in college basketball today, putting up impressive all-around statistics for the Kentucky Wildcats. Currently a senior, Tshiebwe has been a perfect fit for hall of fame coach John Calipari, following in the footsteps of other great Kentucky Wildcat post players such as Demarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis.
Oscar Tshiebwe Recruiting and Early Career
Tshiebwe originally started his collegiate career with the West Virginia Mountaineers, the first school to offer him a scholarship. Although Kentucky, Baylor, and Illinois all recruited him heavily, Tshiebwe connected with the West Virginia coaching staff, which ended up being the top factor in his decision.
Tshiebwe had by all accounts a successful freshmen season, averaging 11.2 PPG and 9.3 RPG in 31 games, all while shooting an impressive 55.2% from the field. Tshiebwe’s efforts earned him 2nd Team All-Big 12 honors, and it appeared that he was about to embark on an impressive career with West Virginia.
Transfer to Kentucky
During his sophomore year, however, it became apparent that the Mountaineers’ playing style did not fit with Tshiebwe’s skill set, and he decided to leave the team after just 10 games during the 2020-2021 season. After considering Illinois, Miami, and NC State, Tshiebwe officially transferred to Kentucky on January 10, 2021.
He was drawn to Kentucky’s one-in, four-out offensive system that would give him plenty of opportunities to take his opponent one-on-one in the paint. He also liked the idea of kicking the ball out to open teammates on the perimeter if he was double-teamed. Tshiebwe is very happy with his decision.
In the Kentucky Sports Radio video below Tshiebwe discusses his love for Kentucky.
Oscar Tshiebwe Records and Accomplishments
Few transfers in recent memory have been as successful as Oscar Tshiebwe’s transfer to Kentucky, who immediately became a dominant force for the Wildcats. In 34 games during his junior year, he averaged 17.4 PPG, 15.1 RPG, 2 SPG, and 1.4 BPG, and shot 60.2% from the field. His efforts earned him the Sporting News Player of the Year award and a unanimous pick for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year.
The 2021-2022 season would see Tshiebwe set several records, including the most rebounds in a UK debut with 20, the most rebounds in a 2-game span with 40, and the most rebounds in Rupp arena with 28. His 515 rebounds were 3rd most in school history and most since 1952, and he was the first player to average at least 15 PPG and 15 RPG since 1980.
How old is Oscar Tshiebwe?
Oscar Tshiebwe is one of the rare college basketball stars to return for their senior season. He is 23 years old, making him one of the oldest players in NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball. Because so many top collegiate basketball teams are comprised of 18 and 19-year-olds, Tshiebwe’s veteran leadership makes him an even greater asset in close games and high-pressure situations.
Does Oscar Tshiebwe’s Brother play Basketball?
Oscar Tshiebwe is not the only basketball player in his family, as his younger brother, Debaba, currently plays for Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. He currently has an offer to play Division 1 men’s basketball from Bryant University.
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2022-2023 Season and Beyond
Through 14 games in the 2022-2023 season, Oscar Tshiebwe is once again putting up remarkable individual stats. He along with the entire Wildcats team will be looking to avenge their stunning loss as a 2-seed in the 2022 NCAA Tournament to 15-seed St. Peters. It is doubtful that they will end up as a 2-seed again, as they are currently 10-5, and not as dominant as the previous season.
However, Tshiebwe’s abilities and Kentucky’s talent should allow them to end the season strong and finish with a solid overall seed. Although Tshiebwe’s skill set probably nets him an early-to-mid 2nd round pick in the 2023 NBA draft, another record-breaking season plus a long NCAA Tournament run might allow him to sneak into the end of the 1st round.
2022-2023 NCAA Stats
| GAMES PLAYED | 14 |
| MINUTES PER GAME | 31.9 |
| POINTS PER GAME | 16.0 |
| USAGE RATE | 23.7 |
| FIELD GOALS/ATTEMPTS | 6.2-10.6 |
| FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE | 58.4 |
| THREE POINTERS/ATTEMPTS | 0.0-0.0 |
| THREE POINT PERCENTAGE | 00.0 |
| FREE THROWS | 3.6-5.3 |
| FREE THROW PERCENTAGE | 67.6 |
| REBOUNDS PER GAME | 13.1 |
| ASSIST PER GAME | 1.4 |
| TURNOVERS PER GAME | 2.1 |
| STEALS PER GAME | 1.6 |
| BLOCKS PER GAME | 1.2 |
| PERSONAL FOULS | 2.7 |
NBA Draft Projection
Tshiebwe is most likely an early-to-mid 2nd-round NBA Draft prospect in the 2023 NBA draft and could have a solid professional career in the league as a role player.
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Tshiebwe in the News
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