This week is a big opportunity for three Kentucky Wildcats as they participate in the 2023 NBA Draft Combine, those being: Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, and Oscar Thsiebwe. Of those three players, this week is arguably the most important for Thsiebwe.
Cason Wallace is a near lock to be picked in the lottery and be the first Wildcat to be selected. For Kentucky’s other freshman, Chris Livingston, he and his camp are confident in his chances of being drafted – despite NBA scouts voicing their concerns – in the guaranteed contract range (top 45 picks).
As for Tshiebwe, he is in a different situation than his teammates. On one hand, he is a former National Player of the Year and one one the best rebounders in modern college basketball history. On the other hand, he is a 23-year-old, undersized big, looking to join a league where a premium is put on perimeter skills. For these reasons, it’s more likely than not he goes undrafted.
On Monday, Tshiebwe was measured and participated in some drills. While his agility circuit numbers weren’t great, which has been a concern, he did impress in one area, three-point shooting. Having shot 0-2 from three in his entire colligate career, it was a pleasant surprise as he shot 12-25 on threes.
On Wednesday, the combine will resume for scrimmages, which Tshiebwe will be participating in. Those games will feature a lot of five-out with the floor spread, which doesn’t bold well for Thsiebwe.
However, all it takes is one team to like him. If he can show that he can succeed outside of Kentucky’s system, he could find that team and the guaranteed contract he’s been searching for.
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