"I'm not the tallest guy," Tshiebwe said according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Its OK. I told him he could go after his freshman and sophomore year, too, Williams says. Tshiebwe wasnt the only one that may find it beneficial to return to college. After missing the first two games of the 2022-23 season, Oscar Tshiebwe looked like his old self in 34 minutes against Michigan State going for 22 points and 18 rebounds to extend his double-double streak to 17 games. Last season the Cats ranked 121st in transition points, per Synergy. Its been a decade since Kentucky won its eighth national title, and now Tshiebwe feels such a personal sense of responsibility to deliver the ninth that hes left himself reminders all around. UK now has a healthy CJ Fredrick, who made 46.6 percent of his 3s in two seasons at Iowa. Fox also said he doesn't expect to live past 80 years old, adding that it's "getting harder." Top editors give you the stories you want delivered . " This season, UK is No. He's coming for more than a round of applause this time, too. He had five turnovers. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. After averaging 9.8 points and 8.5 rebounds in 41 games at West Virginia, Tshiebwe showed up at Kentucky ready to elevate his game to new heights. The task for Tshiebwe this summer was to increase his flexibility and improve footwork so that his movements become more graceful than lumbering. Tshiebwe, who is a national player of the year candidate this season, was not included in ESPN's mock draft last month. The aforementioned ceremonial Senior Night in Gainesville on March 5, 2022, featured a game . 1 among high-majors. "He's one of the best rebounders ever," Williams said. Kentucky down Tshiebwe, 2 others in opening win, Zags, Vols have gained spots in men's WTE Top 25, 2023 No. FAYETTEVILLE -- When Kentucky beat Western Kentucky 95-60 earlier this season, Wildcats junior Oscar Tshiebwe outrebounded Shaquille O'Neal by seven and the Hilltoppers by one. Doesnt duck and force his way to the basket or throw up off-balanced/contested shots Limits his turnovers well, unlike most big men or prospects in general of his caliber and age. Hes especially proud of his improved passing. He previously played for the West Virginia Mountaineers. On the bright side: If enough good players come back angry, that kind of hurt can become fuel. Case against: below average physical tools, probably maxes out as net-neutral defender, hasnt shown the ability to space the floor, will the offensive value be enough to offset the defense if he cant also space the floor? The fourth-ranked Wildcats are hoping Tshiebwe can do the same for them. Kentucky basketball is going to benefit. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. He said he returned to help Kentucky win a national championship and broaden his game ahead of next year's NBA draft. Rock addressed the incident during his Netflix comedy special, "Selective Outrage." This is a good place to point out that rarely are teams or individuals elite at both offensive and defensive rebounding. Kentucky also signed two more McDonalds All-Americans, Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston, who are among the more physically impressive UK freshmen in recent memory. Fox spoke about living with Parkinson's disease in the latest episode of "CBS Sunday Morning." He speculated about what may have contributed to his diagnosis. Bacot is not just another dude, either. He's hoping to be the first freshman draft pickto hit those numbers while making at least 40 3-pointers since James Harden regardless of size. Wager on Monday. 2.6 rebounds and one block per game in 16 appearances in 2022-23 don't jump off the page. But my daddy used to tell me, Its never too late in life. His bench press (20) and broad jump (125 inches) both tied for the fifth-best mark. And vice versa. 4 Kentucky in the Champions Classic. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Are you coming back? 34 last season to No. While not a very top-heavy center class, there is decent depth of players with third big potential. Stats: 5.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, .9 assists 38.2% 3PT, 56.5% FG, 80.5% FT, Case for: shoots it, moves the ball well, held up against grown men in limited minutes, Case against: questionable athleticism, what else does he give you besides shooting, Stats: 16.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1 blocks, 1.6 steals, 0% 3PT, 56% FG, 72.9% FT, Case against: very limited offensively, undersized, no shooting, got hunted on defense this year, Stats: 17.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, .8 blocks, .7 steals, 36.5% 3PT, 60.6% FG, 76.6% FT, Case for: has improved as a shooter, runs the floor hard, physical, not afraid to bully-ball people, Case against: serious tunnel vision, probably undersized to play the way he does against NBA competition, may be the benefit of recency bias from a strong NCAA Tournament, Stats: 14.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, .8 blocks, .8 steals, 27.5% 3PT, 48.8% FG, 67.4% FT, Case for: big and pretty athletic, shown flashes of high-end offensive upside, Case against: still raw, could use more strength, should be a better shot-blocker than he is based on his tools, Stats: 21.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1 block, 16.7% 3PT, 61.6% FG, 63.2% FT, Case for: elite footwork, elite low-post scoring, maybe the best passing center in this draft, great in pick-and-roll, good track of Gonzaga bigs being able to translate. You gotta jump, do the best you can, find the ball. Dillon Brooks is also the player whom national fans believe is the biggest individual villian. Tshiebwe, a West Virginia transfer and native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is only the second player in the history of the storied history of the Wildcats program to win the AP's top honor. My trophies, nobody will probably remember those. Good instincts and timing as a help defender and shot blocker. "He's got an elite, elite skill.". "That was the coach's decision [to allow me to play]," Tshiebwe said Tuesday after missing the team's first two games while he recovered from arthroscopic surgery. Oral Roberts transfer G Max Abmas commits to Texas over Kansas State, 5-star 2024 forward Carter Bryant commits to Arizona mens basketball. Thats the only thing Tyler cared about not All-ACC or All-America or the scoring record or rebounding record just winning the darn thing. For now, they are expected to move to the highest level in basketball, but it is yet to be seen if they actually follow through with those decisions. Ive already got like 10 trophies. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. I just want to go out there and get the rebounds.". Eligibility restrictions apply. Theyre going to be in trouble, he says. Regardless, it will be up to them, but with college now lucrative for top-tier talent, it makes sense for them to take their time instead of making an irrational jump. Gonzaga, Tennessee jump up in men's Way-Too-Early Top 25. He transferred to Kansas State, a move that has helped elevate his game to a new level. That night in Indianapolis, as he cried into the collar of his jersey, a thought bubbled up in Tshiebwe: He wouldve traded all those awards for one ring. In doing so, he became the first national player of the year to return to school since Ralph Sampson, who is the last player to repeat the award. Kentucky has given the machine room to roam and romp. The second piece of it, Calipari says, is when he leans on you, he can then jump. I see the tenacity, Hansbrough says. My reason to transfer in the middle of the season was I didnt want to sit out a year (under the old rules). I dont want anybody to score. 4:16. Jacob Toppin surges to the rim for the impressive putback bucket (0:25). Those Cats ranked among college basketballs worst in two-point percentage, defensive rebounding and general toughness. "I don't think anyone provides what he does to their team.". Theyre ready to play. K-State drove past Montana State, as Johnson scored 18 points while adding eight boards and three assists. LEXINGTON, Ky. The way Oscar Tshiebwe crumpled, it looked like hed just suffered an actual gut punch. The Wildcats shot 55% overall against the overmatched Bison. LEXINGTON, Ky. The hardest part for Oscar Tshiebwe being at West Virginia when he already wanted to be at Kentucky last fall was watching the Wildcats play. Florida's players were given the chance to not play the rest of the game that day, but instead opted to battle through the thoughts of potentially losing one of their brothers, eventually losing 83-71, though the result was of the least importance. You gotta catch everything. He grabbed more rebounds last season than any Division I player since 1974. That probably sounds familiar to Kentucky fans. CBS Sports Gary Parrish explained this thinking of why it may be beneficial for Tshiebwe to return to Kentucky. They started 1-6, and then Tshiebwe packed his bags and headed to Lexington. . It was kind of like, hey, if theyre in, Im in. Tshiebwe entered the game after the first TV timeout with 14:55 to go in the first half when Kentucky had a 6-4 lead over Michigan State. I was just going to play a little bit. So he tips the scale for us in terms of possessions.. Good potential in the pick & roll Good strength and aggression, likes to bang underneath, and embraces contact Finished eighth in scoring over the adidas Gauntlet in 2018 with 21.3 points per game while shooting 60.8% FG%. Follow Kyle on Twitter @KyleTucker_ATH. 1 in offensive rebounding percentage and averages 5.4 more field-goal attempts per game than opponents. "So if you're not a physical block-out player, and you skinny block out, you're going to get pushed underneath the rim, and he's going to grab the ball and dunk it.". In September. I dont think anyone provides what he does to a team. This year, I told Coach, If I see somebody not ready, Im going to take your place. They always seem to be looking for him in the dunker spot when they drive, and they also smartly circle in for longer rebounds so Kentucky has a large swath of the court covered when a shot goes up. The name on my trophies is only my name, he says. You can start from today and make a big impact. When I saw Kentucky struggling, I just couldnt wait. 9. I thought we probably had a much better team than even the year before, and winning it all felt like a real possibility. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Hed gone from Bob Huggins doghouse at West Virginia to the penthouse (and a Porsche) at Kentucky, where fans adored him and businesses lined up to buy his endorsement. Statistically, Tshiebwe had a slightly above average game with 17 points and 16 rebounds Wednesday night when the Wildcats beat LSU 71-66 in Rupp Arena. Boardroom breaks down his NIL earnings and deals. . Lets be honest: If Oscar or myself were going to be a top-five pick, I dont think we wouldve come back saying, I came back to win. I want to be realistic about that, Hansbrough says. By Ethan DeWitt. (AP/James Crisp). I want to leave something important here.. The metrics are pretty strong for Wallace despite being a slightly-undersized 6'3" guard. A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this 6'9 forward transferred midway through his second season at West Virginia and sat out the rest of last season. Sophomore Daimion Collins, a former five-star recruit who jumps out of the gym, also returned. If a national title feels like an attainable goal at the beginning of March Madness, whenever and however you lose in the tournament brings heartbreak. He wants to be able to catch the ball at the top of the key, pump fake and attack the rim. Beloved star forward Oscar Tshiebwe, who swept the major National Player of the Year awards, is returning to school. That really helped me, Tshiebwe says. The latter nagged at him, rendered the former a little hollow. LSU coach Will Wade recently offered a scouting report, but it was not overly technical. Tshiebwe was a highly-touted recruit out of high school and signed on to play for Bob Huggins at West Virginia. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Hes been challenging himself to find a consistent jump shot since his days at West Virginia. Turns out, growing up playing soccer in the Congo nurtured some natural instincts that help Tshiebwe today. Knows where the pass is going before he catches it. Because that would be for everyone, but it would also cement his own place in the programs history. Tshiebwe has made a huge jump statistically this season. Neither was Kentucky forward Oscar Tshiebwe. 9 this year. Oscar's father, Mbuyi Tshiebwe, was head pastor at a New Apostolic church in the commune of Kanya. Early life [ edit] The . The major. Sometimes I get mad the way were shooting, because I need them to miss so I can grab some rebounds, but they keep making everything. Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? The only people who really matter are in your locker room. "Oscar is one of the most unique players in the country," Wildcats senior guard Davion Mintz told reporters. Like possessions. Thats why, in the weeks after last season, Tshiebwe didnt know quite how to feel. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. 18 Arkansas on Saturday at Walton Arena in Fayetteville. He takes him if Tshiebwe is not ready to make a decision. As a freshman, he immediately made an impact. Tshiebwe told Calipari in the spring, You better get me some people who can shoot, people who can pass the ball and who can play, and Ill come back and were going to win a championship.. Tshiebwe hopes his increased mobility and offseason skill work will make him more of a threat on the perimeter, offensively and defensively. At Kentucky's Pro Day in October, Tshiebwe had a vertical jump of 33 inches, which would have tied for 45th at last summer's NBA Scouting Combine. He led the nation in rebounding average both seasons (15.1 in 2021-22, 13.7 in 2022-23). Oscar Tshiebwe reveals hidden jumper against Mount St. Mary's 247Sports 247Sports Home FB Rec FB Recruiting Home News Feed Team Rankings Commitments Decommitments Scheduled Commits Player. In fact, he doesnt always use that ass to box out. He is a Democratic Republic of the Congo native and has five siblings, according to his player bio.. As reported by 247Sports, the star basketball player received AP's Second Team All-American honors on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. It is about confidence, Tshiebwe says. Just playing against the National Player of the Year is a great feeling, it's a big stage, it's gonna bring back old memories.". John Calipari said Tuesday was the first time the team had played together due to injuries. "God says everything is possible. Only two Division I players since 1986 have averaged more boards in a season than Tshiebwe is through 20 games. In 33 games, he's averaging 17.7 points and 7.1 rebounds a night. Another image emerged last month of him wearing a sweat-soaked tank top with one strap ripped almost completely off. Oscar Tshiebwe bullies his way to an and-1 . "I was praying for him and reached out to him, I said 'let's keep praying, let's keep praying, let's stay together,'" the UK big man told reporters on Saturday. If he had more of a jumpshot (something hes begun to develop over the last year or so) he could enhance his attractiveness as an NBA big, but thats probably a pretty big ask for him at this stage of his development. At Kentucky, he seems to have held onto that general concept, getting position and never letting anyone move him, while letting go of Huggins hard-and-fast rule about rushing to the opposite side. When you go for it, you're going to get it. Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the 2021 Oscars, sparking a public fallout between the pair. Huggins philosophy is that most outside shots that miss will bounce to the opposite side of the basket from which they came. He's now played four college seasons and has established himself as one of the most. Johnson was first diagnosed with acute myocarditis (heart inflammation), but later said that it was a condition known as "Athlete's Heart," which isan increase in cardiac mass due to systematic training that can lead to sudden death. He eventually returned to Gainesville, but returning to the court wasn't an immediate option. Only averaged 0.4 turnovers per game (nine games) at the NBPA Top 100 in 2018 and 0.6 per game (five games) at adidas Nations in 2017 , Weaknesses: Limited scoring range with the majority of his points coming in the paint. NIL money could see him stay in college and make more than he possibly could in the NBA without the uncertainty of making a roster out of camp , Strengths: 68.5 athletic big man Great length with a 74.25 wingspan and 91 standing reach Good athlete. Calipari obviously wants to have either Dickinson or Tshiebwe on next season's team and as good as Tshiebwe has been, constructing a roster for the 2023-24 season has to be the priority over loyalty to any player, including Tshiebwe. And as soon as youre positioned right there, dont let anybody move you out.. Tshiebwe ranks second nationally in win shares per 40 minutes, sixth in box score plus/minus and comfortably leads Ken Pomeroy's metric-based player of the year standings, ahead of Gonzaga 's. That streak ended in Thursday night's home 106-63 win over South Carolina State. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. If they double me, my teammates can shoot. That is a stark contrast to how he felt in March, when he was doubled over in disbelief and trying to make sense of an ending he never saw coming. Tshiebwe carried Kentucky that night, as he had all season, with 30 points and 16 rebounds, his 16th consecutive double-double and 28th of the year, both school records. No, you gotta go position yourself in the place where you might get the ball. In fact, at one point in the spring, Tshiebwe recorded two videos one said he was staying, the other announced he was leaving. Tshiebwe, 6-9 and 255 pounds, pulled down 28 rebounds to 27 for Western Kentucky and broke O'Neal's Rupp Arena record of 21 for LSU in 1990. But Tuesday's game also allowed Michigan State to shine four days after it suffered a 64-63 loss to No. Every time somebody shoots the ball, my mind is like Im the goalie. (AP photo) Men's Basketball, WVU Sports Oscar Tshiebwe clarifies statement that Bob Huggins threatened a . Analysts make case for Oscar Tshiebwe and Chris Livingston to return to Kentucky, CBS Sports Gary Parrish explained this thinking of why it may be beneficial for Tshiebwe to return to Kentucky, Kentucky basketball recruiting in the 2023 class, UNC Basketball: Hubert Davis is making a strong push for 2024 five-star Jarin Stevenson, Syracuse mens basketball: five new offers extended after first AAU weekend. Oscar Tshiebwe (born 27 November 1999) is a Congolese college basketball player for the Kentucky Wildcats of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). If his current pace holds, hed become just the eighth player since 1993 to average at least 16 points and 14 rebounds. Tshiebwe was responsible for 37.8% of all of UK's rebounds this season. Hes not pushing you, youre just having 255 lean on you. Hansbrough can relate to Tshiebwes total focus on finishing the job, but I would say, Lets take advantage of today. My team, we made the most of every single day. 0:17. They give me much confidence. F Oscar Tshiebwe (6-foot-9, 260 pounds, Sr.): . He was stretchered back to the locker room, then taken to Tallahassee Memorial hospital, where he spent three days in a medically-induced coma. A standing vertical jump of 39.5" (1 m) and bench press 225 lbs (102 kg) for 24 reps. 24 reps of 225lbs (102 kg) put in an 1 rep max calculator would give them a 1 rep max of 405 lbs (183.7 kg). Lost your password? I saw reports that his jump shot and 3 pt shooting were improving at Kentucky. Oscars got a way of commanding a presence in that locker room too, I would expect, and thats going to be great for them. And then he led North Carolina to a national championship. But the Kentucky star also demonstrated some of the challenges that come with missing a month of practice following his surgery in October. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). The Spartans don't have an NBA lottery pick on their roster. It also means there will be a target on Tshiebwes back, but he welcomes that challenge. We always praise and congratulate each other. This isnt a brand new aspect of Tshiebwes game, however. God has answered prayer," Tshiebwe said with a smile. In describing Oscar Tshiebwe as "bullied" Tuesday night, Kentucky's head basketball coach raised expectations beyond ridiculous. Tshiebwe is racking up postseason honors by the day. I told Sahvir (Wheeler), Be careful, brother. Averaged 6.8 rebounds per game at adidas Nations in 2017 with a fourth best 3.6 coming on offense Passes well out of the post, gets rid of the ball and finds the open man quickly. If Oscar just keeps doing what hes doing, its going to keep us in the win column.. He was crushed, Wildcats assistant coach Orlando Antigua says. 3M; 0:24. I was ready, but they were not, Tshiebwe says. Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Stats: 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.1 blocks, 60.7% FG, 73.4% FT, Case for: huge, good touch around the rim, still relatively new to the game so hes improved a lot in a short amount of time and may have room to develop. Oscar is a big man, and the big man still has a huge importance to basketball, regardless of what the analytics say or anyone thinks, Hansbrough says. Johnson never really played for the Gators again, only suiting up one more time on Senior Night last season, as he was given a massive round of applause from the Florida faithful as he kissed the UF logo at mid-court. You will receive mail with link to set new password. So now were trying to fine-tune different things with him. I gotta choose whos ready to play. I see myself as a national champion. The Kentucky Wildcats are getting some major talent this offseason, and they could get some returning as well. Duke Recruiting: Isaiah Evans Will Be A Blue Devil! Kentuckys new strength coach, Brady Welsh, put him through a stretching program, took his shoes off to teach Tshiebwes feet the right way to interact with the ground and introduced him to mixed martial arts. If I get that, he says, Ill probably be a legend.. The absences of all three regulars opened up a lot of minutes for others, and the results were encouraging. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). . If that was his goal, needless to say, thats what we set as our long-range goal for the entire team.. I loved watching him last year. John Caliparis team was easily bullied. I came back for one reason. He can hold off a player like North Carolina center Armando Bacot, 6-10 and 240 pounds, with just a forearm. Hansbroughs minutes, points, rebounds and shooting percentage all dipped his senior year.

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