Kentucky’s Tshiebwe to evaluate NBA draft waters

Kentucky star Oscar Tshiebwe declared for the NBA draft on Friday, but the 2022 Wooden Award winner likewise left open the option to return to Lexington for one more season.The senior huge guy now has up until May 31 to withdraw his name from the draft if he picks to go back to college.” At this time, I feel as though it is best for

me to state for the NBA Draft while keeping my college eligibility,”Tshiebwe stated.”As I continue down this course, I pray that I can continue to have the incredible love and assistance of BBN, as you will constantly remain in my heart and prayers. Just God knows what my future holds, however till then, it’s time to get to work.”Editor’s Picks 2 Related Tshiebwe, a 6-foot-9 center from Congo

, was the consensus National Player of the

Year in 2022 after averaging 17.4 points and 15.1 rebounds– leading the country in the latter category. He didn’t repeat as Player of the Year this past season, but still paced the country in rebounding at 13.7 per game. Tshiebwe likewise balanced 16.5 points and shot 56 %from the field, earning All-American honors in the process.He played one and a half seasons at West Virginia to open his career prior to transferring to Kentucky in January 2021.

Despite his college production, Tshiebwe is not viewed as a guaranteed NBA draft choice. He’s No. 74 in ESPN’s 2023 NBA

draft rankings.”Oscar fulfilled one dream by being a Kentucky basketball player, but he’s prepared to chase this next dream,”coach John Calipari said.”There is no player because league like Oscar. He’s also a perfect player to have in your locker room because he will genuinely appreciate his colleagues, the organization and the community. I’m excited for Oscar to go through this process to see if it’s his time to live out his supreme goal.” Kentucky has currently seen beginners Cason Wallace and Jacob Toppin declare for the NBA draft with the intent to remain in the draft, while Antonio Reeves is doing so while keeping his college eligibility. Sahvir Wheeler and Ugonna Onyenso have gotten in the transfer portal.Calipari is bringing in the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, led by general No. 1 possibility Justin Edwards, No. 2 D.J. Wagner and No. 4 Aaron Bradshaw. The Wildcats are also in pursuit of Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson, the No. 1 player in the website.