Kentucky forward Oscar Tshiebwe announced some big news on Friday, hitting up Instagram to declare for this summer's NBA Draft. He will retain his college eligibility despite that declaration, likely because there is some uncertainty over whether or not he is selected by a pro team.
Some believe there is a strong likelihood that he is not selected at all or if he does get picked, it would not come until the second round. Should that occur, Tshiebwe would still be able return to Kentucky for a third season and fifth college year overall.
But Kyle Tucker, who covers Kentucky for The Athletic, has asked an interesting question. Tucker asked whether the Wildcats would even want Tshiebwe back.
Tucker recognizes Tshiebwe’s strengths as a player and his popularity among the fanbase, but believes the big man limits what Kentucky can do on both the offensive and defensive ends.
During the just-completed campaign, Tshiebwe averaged 16.5 points and 13.7 rebounds. He averaged 17.4 points and 15.2 rebounds per game the previous season. It seems strange that Kentucky would not want a return from a player who won the Sporting News National Player of the Year just two seasons ago, but that could be where we are heading toward.
Tshiebwe earns over seven figures in NIL deals, meaning that at least for him personally, a return to Kentucky would not be a financial drain. But would it hurt the Wildcats to have him back? An interesting question for a team that just went 22-12 and lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
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